Long-term survival and interruption of HAART in HIV-related pulmonary hypertension.
Reported here is a case of a patient with pulmonary arterial hypertension related to HIV (PAHRH) in which lipodystrophy necessitated interruption of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) and long-term survival was the outcome. Although previous studies have suggested antiretroviral therapy may benefit patients with this rare complication of HIV infection, no worsening of PAHRH was observed when HAART was interrupted. Clinical and echocardiographic parameters remained stable during 7 months of follow up. In cases in which HAART is associated with relevant toxicity, interruption of HAART in patients with PAHRH can be considered, but should be used only if no alternatives are available. Close follow-up is warranted.
Zinkernagel
A S
AS
Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University Hospital, RAE U 74, Rämistrasse 100, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland.
von Overbeck
J
J
Opravil
M
M
Jenni
R
R
Speich
R
R
Mueller
N J
NJ
D000328:Adult; D023241:Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D006976:Hypertension, Pulmonary / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D008297:Male; D015996:Survival Rate; D016896:Treatment Outcome