Acute respiratory failure in the HIV-seropositive patient
M J Cowan1, J H Shelhamer, S J Levine
1Department of Critical Care Medicine, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.
Abstract:
Since approximately 40% to 65% of patients with AIDS will develop pulmonary disease, HIV-seropositive patients represent a large cohort of immunosuppressed individuals with the potential to progress to respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation and admission to the intensive care unit. This article reviews the cause, pathophysiology, diagnostic approach, and management of acute respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation in HIV-seropositive patients. Prognostic factors and survival rates for episodes of respiratory failure are also discussed. In addition, an overview of acute respiratory failure in pediatric AIDS patients is presented.
Related Concept Videos
Acute Respiratory Failure-I
Definition: It is defined by specific criteria based on blood gas measurements. Hypoxemia happens when the partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) falls below 60 mmHg. At the same time,...
Acute Respiratory Failure-III
Acute Respiratory Failure-V
Ensure that patients are monitored continuously for their response to therapy, including changes in...
Acute Respiratory Failure-II
The underlying physiological abnormalities that contribute to hypoxemic respiratory failure include:
Acute Respiratory Failure-IV
Respiratory Syncytial Virus Disease


