title: Therapy Insight: CNS manifestations of HIV-associated immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome.
abstract: The introduction of combination antiretroviral therapy for HIV infection has prolonged the lives of patients with AIDS. It is increasingly being recognized, however, that following initiation of this therapy some patients can develop a paradoxical neurological deterioration, despite dramatic improvements in HIV viral load and CD4+ T-cell counts. This immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) in the CNS is emerging as an important neurological complication, particularly as antiretroviral therapy is now becoming readily available worldwide. Currently, there are no guidelines for prevention, diagnosis or treatment of the CNS manifestations of IRIS. Even in patients with an acute presentation, the diagnosis can be challenging. Furthermore, it is possible that more-chronic forms of the syndrome exist but remain unrecognized. Here, we review the various clinical presentations of CNS IRIS, and discuss options for their management.
authors.affiliation: University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA.
authors.forename: David J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Riedel
authors.forename: Carlos A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Pardo
authors.forename: Justin
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: McArthur
authors.forename: Avindra
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Nath
mesh_terms: D017088:AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections / Q000150:complications; D023241:Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001927:Brain Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000276:immunology; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation