Saturable in vitro metabolism of articaine by serum esterases. Does it contribute to the persistence of the local anesthetic effect?
Local saturation of the serum esterases may contribute to the advantageous relationship between persistence of the local anesthetic effect and low systemic toxicity caused by the last systemic elimination of articaine (ie, its wide toxic therapeutic ratio).
We found a high prevalence of problem drinking among MSM in Lima, Peru, which was associated with increased sexual risk in our study. Of note, individuals who were already HIV-infected were less likely to be problem drinkers. Further studies and targeted interventions to reduce problem drinking among MSM are warranted.