Resolution of organ-specific complications of human immunodeficiency virus infection in children with use of highly active antiretroviral therapy.
Opportunistic infections are a major source of morbidity and mortality in children and adults infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). In addition, organ-specific complications of HIV infection, such as cardiomyopathy, nephropathy, encephalopathy, and others, contribute substantially to the morbidity and mortality associated with HIV infection. Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has produced a dramatic decline in the incidence of opportunistic infections among patients with HIV infection. Nevertheless, there is very little information concerning the value of HAART for organ-specific complications of HIV infection. In this report, we describe 3 children with HIV infection in whom the dominant clinical manifestations were cardiomyopathy, red cell aplasia, and nephropathy. HAART produced a decrease in the HIV ribonucleic acid level, an increase in the CD4 cell count, and resolution of the organ-specific complications in all patients. These cases add to our knowledge concerning the benefits of HAART for children with HIV infection.
Saulsbury
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Department of Pediatrics, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, VA, USA. fts@virginia.edu
D016263:AIDS-Associated Nephropathy / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology / Q000401:mortality; D017088:AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000401:mortality; D019380:Anti-HIV Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D023241:Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active; D018791:CD4 Lymphocyte Count; D009202:Cardiomyopathies / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology / Q000401:mortality; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006678:HIV / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000235:genetics; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D012367:RNA, Viral / Q000097:blood / Q000187:drug effects; D012010:Red-Cell Aplasia, Pure / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology / Q000401:mortality
D019380:Anti-HIV Agents; D012367:RNA, Viral