HIV and older adults: clinical outcomes in the era of HAART.
As the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemic enters its third decade, nurses are caring for increasing numbers of older adults with HIV who are on complicated medication regimens or highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Although HAART has revolutionized HIV and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) care, little is known about how older adults respond to the new therapies. A review of the medical records of 19 older (> or = 50 years) and 18 younger (< 40 years) adults initiated on their first HAART regimen revealed both older and younger adults had similar positive clinical outcomes. Nurses need to individualize their care to patients of all ages rather than develop specific clinical guidelines for older adults with HIV.
Rehabilitation Outcomes Research Center, Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA.
Constance R
CR
Uphold
Javier
J
Maruenda
Hossein N
HN
Yarandi
John W
JW
Sleasman
Bradley S
BS
Bender
D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D023241:Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active / Q000451:nursing / Q000592:standards; D018791:CD4 Lymphocyte Count; D015897:Comorbidity; D005431:Florida / Q000453:epidemiology; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000451:nursing; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020380:Needs Assessment; D010347:Patient Care Planning; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D019562:Viral Load