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Human immunodeficiency virus infection, Part II
H W Horowitz1, E E Telzak, K A Sepkowitz
1Department of Medicine, New York Medical College, Valhalla, USA.
Disease-A-Month : DM
|January 12, 1999
Summary
Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has significantly reduced opportunistic infections in HIV patients. HAART is crucial for preventing mother-to-child transmission and post-exposure prophylaxis, with emerging roles in acute HIV infection.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Virology
- Immunology
Background:
- Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has transformed human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) management.
- Opportunistic infections (OIs) and their epidemiology have been significantly altered by HAART.
- Antibiotic prophylaxis has reduced the incidence of specific OIs like Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia and Mycobacterium avium complex.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the impact of HAART on opportunistic infections in HIV patients.
- To discuss the established and emerging roles of HAART in various clinical scenarios.
- To highlight new therapeutic agents and their evolving roles in HIV treatment.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing clinical trial data and scientific literature.
- Discussion of established guidelines for HAART use.
- Exploration of emerging evidence for novel therapeutic strategies.
Main Results:
- HAART has dramatically decreased the incidence and severity of many OIs.
- Established indications for HAART include preventing perinatal HIV transmission and post-exposure prophylaxis.
- Emerging evidence supports HAART in acute HIV seroconversion and the management of immune reconstitution syndrome.
Conclusions:
- HAART remains a cornerstone in managing HIV infection, significantly reducing OI-related morbidity and mortality.
- Specific applications of HAART, such as during pregnancy and occupational exposure, are well-supported.
- Ongoing research is defining the roles of newer agents like abacavir and adefovir dipivoxil, and hydroxyurea shows promise.