HIV/AIDS: impact on healing

Human immunodeficiency virus and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) are leading chronic illnesses in many major cities worldwide. Frequently, people with HIV infection require surgery or develop chronic wounds. This paper summarizes the impact of HIV infection on body organs and systems and the effect of antiretroviral therapy as a basis for potential complications with wound care and healing. The authors also present research on wound healing in HIV-positive people undergoing operative procedures. Besides the physical effect of HIV infection on the person, clinicians must also realize psychosocial and economic effects of the disease when considering wound care. This paper also addresses care considerations for patients with HIV/AIDS in the inpatient, outpatient, and home care settings.