Pediatric and adolescent HIV disease.
OBJECTIVE
To review the current literature and guidelines for pediatric and adolescent human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) diagnosis and treatment.


METHODS
MEDLINE and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Web sites were searched to obtain relevant articles.


METHODS
The expert opinions of the authors were used to design cases that highlight the studies and guidelines reviewed.


RESULTS
There have been numerous advances in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of pediatric and adolescent HIV disease in the past decade. Now, HIV is a chronic illness managed with medication, when appropriate. The HIV transmission rate from mother to child is very low (approximately 1%) in industrialized countries because antiretroviral agents are now available to pregnant women. The pill burden for children and adults with HIV has plummeted from 8 to 10 pills 3 times daily to 3 to 5 pills once daily in the best-case scenarios. A shift has occurred in HIV care from treating opportunistic illnesses to promoting adherence and avoiding drug resistance while monitoring medication adverse effects.


CONCLUSIONS
Diagnosis and treatment of HIV is a rapidly changing field with frequently changing guidelines. The coming years may bring already available technology to the rest of the world and advances toward the prevention and cure of HIV.
Secord
Elizabeth
E
CHM-Allergy/Immunology Division, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan 48201, USA. esecord@med.wayne.edu
Cotronei-Cascardo
Cristina
C
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000635:transmission; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male