Outcome of adults with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome in Auckland 1983-9.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the survival of Auckland residents diagnosed with AIDS between 1983 and 1989.


METHODS
Retrospective case review


RESULTS
Sixty nine Auckland residents were diagnosed with AIDS between 1983 and the end of 1989, and were cared for by the infectious disease unit, Auckland Hospital. The overall median survival was 289 days with 48% and 20% surviving at one and two years respectively. Survival was longer among those who were infected through homosexual contact, were younger, and not known to the infectious disease unit prior to the diagnosis of AIDS. Although survival was longer for those diagnosed in 1988 compared to earlier years, it was shorter again for those diagnosed in 1989. Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia, the AIDS defining condition in 63.8% of people, was found less frequently in 1989, and overall was associated with a longer survival than most of the other AIDS-defining diagnoses. A quarter of the people were not known to be infected with HIV prior to the AIDS-defining condition.


CONCLUSIONS
In New Zealand, as in other countries, changes in treatment strategies of people with HIV infection may impinge on the survival of people with AIDS.
Dickson
N P
NP
Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, University of Otago Medical School, Dunedin.
Sharples
K
K
Carlson
R V
RV
McDermott
J
J
Ellis-Pegler
R B
RB
Thomas
M G
MG
D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000401:mortality*; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009520:New Zealand / Q000453:epidemiology; D015996:Survival Rate