Management of late-stage AIDS grows more complex. Clearinghouse, P.O. Box 6003, Rockville, MD 20849-6003. 800-458-5231 ext. 5023.

Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1995. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

Management of late-stage AIDS grows more complex. Clearinghouse, P.O. Box 6003, Rockville, MD 20849-6003. 800-458-5231 ext. 5023.

AIDS Alert. 1995 Apr;10(4):50-2. Unique Identifier : AIDSLINE AIDS/95700224

Abstract: The question of what to do for patients with late-stage AIDS becomes more complicated as new research reinforces the value of early treatment and prophylaxis for HIV patients. Decisions ranging from cost and quality of life to toxicity and multiple drug interactions all must be taken into account. Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP) still is the most common adverse event in the last six months of life, with wasting syndrome being second, followed closely by Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) and cytomegalovirus (CMV). Although prophylaxis trials for opportunistic infections have shown significant reduction in disease prevalence, preventive therapy has not been shown to improve survival to any significant degree except when given for PCP. Studies indicate that for patients with PCP, trimethoprimsulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) is most effective, followed by Dapsone and aerosole pentamidine. MAC, rifabutin, and, more recently, clarithromycin are each effective in reducing MAC bacteremia by one-half. But survival benefits from MAC prophylaxis are not clear. Similarly, oral ganciclovir reduces the incidence of CMV retinitis; however, there is no definitive data yet for increased survival when used as a prophylaxis. Other studies provide insight about how certain opportunistic infections predispose patients to future infections. One study found that patients who developed PCP had a fivefold increased risk of subsequently developing MAC or CMV and a two- to threefold increased risk of developing invasive fungal infections.

Keywords: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome/*COMPLICATIONS/DRUG THERAPY Antiviral Agents/THERAPEUTIC USE AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections/*COMPLICATIONS/PREVENTION & CONTROL Disease Progression Disease Susceptibility Human Pain/ETIOLOGY Survival NEWSLETTER ARTICLE
951030
M95A0960

AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Boehringer Ingelheim, Bridgestone/Firestone Charitable Trust, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Elton John AIDS Foundation, Gill Foundation, the National Library of Medicine, Quest Diagnostics, Roche and Trimeris, and donations from users like you. Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 1995. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.

AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.

Copyright ©1980, 1995. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .