Ocular Complications

Upon completion of this chapter, the reader should be able to • Describe the symptoms and signs of cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis in patients with AIDS. • Describe treatment options for CMV retinitis and the need for systemic therapy whenever possible. • Identify risk factors, clinical findings, and treatment of immune recovery uveitis....

Antiretroviral Therapy in Pregnant Women

Upon completion of this chapter, the reader should be able to describe the appropriate management of antiretrovirals for pregnant women living with HIV. Over time, research has demonstrated that proper prevention strategies and interventions during pregnancy, labor, and delivery can significantly reduce the rate of mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HIV. In 1994, a pivotal study in the field of HIV medicine, the Pediatric AIDS Clinical Trials Group 076, demonstrated that the use of zidovudine (ZDV) monotherapy during pregnancy substantially reduced the risk of HIV transmission to infants by 67% (...

Future Antiretrovirals, Immune-Based Strategies, and Therapeutic Vaccines

Upon completion of this chapter, the reader should be able to to gain knowledge about new antiretroviral drugs in development, different strategies to restore the immune system and eliminate the latent HIV reservoir, and also discuss the role and current research of preventive and therapeutic vaccines....

Initiation of Antiretroviral Therapy

Upon completion of this chapter, the reader should be able to • Discuss categories of regimens for first-line antiretroviral therapy. • Recognize the basis for the US Department of Health and Human Services (USDHHS) guidelines for initial antiretroviral therapy. • Recognize and apply recommended regimens for initiation of antiretroviral therapy....

Classes of Antiretrovirals

Upon completion of this chapter, the reader should be able to • Describe the classes of antiretroviral (ARV) medications and the factors influencing treatment dosing. • Understand the US Department of Health and Human Services panel’s recommended initial HIV treatments and relevant clinical trials. •...

Health Maintenance

Upon completion of this chapter, the reader should be able to • Describe tuberculosis screening indications (including exposure history) and assessment methods (including selection, interpretation, and limitations of screening tests in HIV-infected patients). • Discuss the importance of routine dental care for HIV-infected patients and essential information to be included in the treating physician’s written referral....

Legal Issues

Upon completion of this chapter, the reader should be able to • Demonstrate knowledge about legal issues surrounding HIV health care and to interact more effectively, professionally, and sensitively with patients and their families. Discuss the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) recommendations for routine HIV testing in various health care settings....

US Healthcare Systems, HIV Programs, and Coverage Policy Issues

Upon completion of this chapter, the reader should be able to • Broadly understand the landscape of the US healthcare systems and payers as they relate to the provision of HIV care, treatment, prevention and medical coding. HIV-related healthcare services have historically been covered or provided by a patchwork of federal, state, and local programs, such as Medicare, Medicaid, the Ryan White Program, and state and local health programs. HIV/AIDS service organizations (H/ASOs) and private and charitable health organizations also provided services for HIV patients without coverage. These programs represent the long-standing pathways to insurance coverage, access to care, and access to treatment for people living with HIV (PLWH). Some of these programs also supply coverage for, or access to, medications that treat co-occurring conditions for PLWH....

Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Upon completion of this chapter, the reader should be able to demonstrate knowledge regarding the diagnosis and treatment of most prevalent sexual transmitted diseases in patients living with HIV infection, in order to decrease rate of transmission. Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are common in PLWH. Education and counseling on changes in sexual behaviors of patients with STDs and their sexual partners, identification of asymptomatically infection, and effective diagnosis and treatment form the cornerstone for prevention....

Cardiovascular Disease

Upon completion of this chapter, the reader should be able to • To gain a greater understanding of the pathophysiology of CVD and myocardial infarction in persons living with HIV infection. • To understand the link of chronic HIV infection as it relates to increased risk of CVD and myocardial infarction....