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19:57
An Affordable HIV-1 Drug Resistance Monitoring Method for Resource Limited Settings
Published on: March 30, 2014
Adolescents and HIV infection
Caroline Foster1, Anne Waelbrouck, Alexandra Peltier
1aThe Family Clinic, St Mary's Hospital, London, UK bPediatric department, CHU Saint Pierre, Brussels, Belgium cPaediatrician, Project 107 Lux Development, Kigali, Rwanda.
Current Opinion in HIV and AIDS
|April 18, 2009
Summary
Adolescents with HIV face unique challenges, including social difficulties and treatment side effects. Early disclosure and multidisciplinary support are crucial for managing HIV during adolescence and ensuring a successful transition to adult care.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Adolescent Medicine
Background:
- Highly active antiretroviral therapy has dramatically reduced mortality for perinatally HIV-infected children, leading to increased survival into adolescence.
- Adolescents living with HIV/AIDS experience significant social challenges and side effects from HIV and its treatment, impacting growth and development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the challenges faced by adolescents growing up with HIV/AIDS.
- To highlight the importance of preparing children for adolescence and transitioning them to adult care.
Main Methods:
- Literature review on HIV management in adolescents.
- Analysis of social, developmental, and treatment-related issues.
Main Results:
- Adolescents with HIV face challenges related to sexual health, stigmatization, and risk of transmitting HIV.
- Poor adherence to highly active antiretroviral therapy is common, increasing the risk of virological failure and drug resistance.
- Disclosure, support groups, and practical assistance can improve adherence and reduce treatment failure.
Conclusions:
- Pediatric resources for early disclosure can prepare children for adolescence.
- Multidisciplinary teams are essential for managing adolescents with HIV.
- A structured transition to adult services is critical for long-term care and well-being.
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