Treatment of HIV infection in infancy

Treatment for HIV infection and preventive methods for HIV-associated infections are now routinely available and recommended for the management of HIV-infected children. These strategies have been associated with improvement in the quality and duration of life for HIV-infected adults and children. The institution of these interventions is dependent on recognition of infants at risk for infection (born to mothers with HIV infection), early diagnosis of HIV infection in infants and young children, and careful clinical and immunologic monitoring. As with other chronic illnesses, management of HIV-infected children should be comprehensive and should involve the active participation of both the primary pediatrician and the HIV specialist. Optimization of interventional strategies is dependent on ongoing and planned clinical trials.