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Treatment of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection and Its Associated Complications in Children
Author(s) -
Brady Michael T.
Publication year - 1994
Publication title -
the journal of clinical pharmacology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.92
H-Index - 116
eISSN - 1552-4604
pISSN - 0091-2700
DOI - 10.1002/j.1552-4604.1994.tb03961.x
Subject(s) - medicine , intensive care medicine , pneumonia , immunology , pneumocystis carinii , human immunodeficiency virus (hiv) , regimen , immunodeficiency , antiretroviral therapy , disease , immune system , viral load , pneumocystis jirovecii
Providing care to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐infected children requires a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach. This review will address the current status of supportive care, treatment of HIV‐associated complications and specific antiretroviral therapy. HIV affects multiple locations in the body resulting in a myriad of possible complications. These include opportunistic infections and malignancies secondary to immunodeficiency and central nervous system or other specific organ‐related disease secondary to direct HIV involvement. Recent scientific advances have markedly enhanced the quantity and quality of life of HIV‐infected children. Prophylaxis of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia is the single most important therapeutic advance for the HIV‐infected patient. Other advances for the treatment and prevention of HIV‐related infections should similarly improve survival and reduce hospital stays. Antiretroviral therapy is relatively new. The currently available nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors have proven efficacy. The role of single agents or combinations is being established. However, this group of antivirals has limitations that make alternate approaches essential. Augmentation of the patient's immune response will likely be a key to any future successful treatment regimen.