Measurable disease end points, Methods of measuring and estimating endpoints and Advantages and disadvantages of particular endpoints related to HIV/AIDS

Measurable Disease End Points

HIV/Aids

The human acquired immunodeficiency syndrome or the immunodeficiency abbreviated as HIV/AIDS refers to a disease that associates with the immune system of the human being that is caused by the by infection that is called human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) (Balakrishnan, Solomon, Mohanakrishnan, Cecelia, 2006). In the initial stage of this infection, a short phase of illness of the influenza types is prevailed. this period is generally followed by long time period that doesn't exhibit any symptoms or indications of any diseases. With the progression of the illness, the period lengthens and interrupts with the immune system of the human beings and this makes the individuals more prone to catching various infections including of the tumors and infections that normally do not impact the individuals having a perfectly working immune system (Kallings, 2008).

The probability of HIV/AIDS being chiefly transferred to other people is through the unsafe sexual intercourse, both oral and anal, the hypodermic needles, and through the contaminated blood transfusions. It is also transmitted during pregnancy from the mother to her child, and later through delivery and breastfeeding (Hoyer, Kochanek, Murphy, 1997). The major way to prevent the spread of HIV is through the needle-exchange programs and safe sex, however, unlike other diseases, there exists no vaccine or any other cure to heal the patients from this disease. Yet, some antiretroviral treatment may slow the passage of the diseases enabling the patients to spend an almost normal life and also leads to the reduction of the complications and deaths from the disease (Gallo, 2006).

According to several estimates, there are over 4.2 million people in various regions of the South East Asia, who are living with the HIV/AIDS (Balakrishnan, Solomon, Mohanakrishnan, Cecelia, 2006). The second largest country with the prevailing HIV is the India that has 2.4 million people and South Africa follows these statistics next. The countries considered to be high-burden in terms of the prevalence of HIV include Thailand, India, Indonesia and Myanmar, and at present, there are merely 100 000 people with HIV in the countries of the Region are receiving ART, which is 31% of the number of people who need it (Sharp, Hahn, 2011). The awareness of the HIV amongst the general public has initiated numerous interventions to prevent the occurrence of new cases. An efficient antiretroviral therapy is extremely helpful in reducing the viral load and serves as a strong weapon for providing a complete intervention package against the HIV (Sharp, Hahn, 2011).

Disease Endpoints

The diseases endpoints, with reference to a clinical research trial, generally pertain to the occurrence of a symptom, disease, laboratory abnormality or a sign that may contribute to target one or multiple of the various outcomes of the trial. It may also pertain to any such sign, symptom or disease which motivated the individual's withdrawal or entity from the trial in a strong manner (Balakrishnan, Solomon, Mohanakrishnan, Cecelia, ...