title: [Demographic and clinical characterizations of newly diagnosed patients with HIV/AIDS above fifty years of age].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Major changes happened in the last decade in the HIV/AIDS pandemic. The disease is no longer limited to young age. Due to the effectiveness of HAART (Highly Active Anti-Retroviral Therapy) as well as new diagnosis in older age groups, many patients in AIDS centers are above 50 years of age.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To determine the prevalence, demographics and clinical characteristics of newly diagnosed HIV/AIDS patients older than 50 years compared to younger newly diagnosed patients.
  
  
  METHODS
  Retrospective single center analysis of the demographics and clinical characterizations of 62 newly diagnosed HIV/AIDS patients over 50 years of age.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The average age at diagnosis of the whole cohort was 39+/-16 years. There was a gradual increase in the age at diagnosis over the years, as well as the percent of patients above the age of 50 diagnosed with the disease. In comparison to younger patients, in the older group there were more males compared to females and less patients who acquired the HIV/AIDS in unprotected homosexual sex. Furthermore, CD4 cells counts were lower and viral load leveLs were higher at diagnosis in the older group. Despite good adherence, patients above the age of 50 don't achieve adequate immunological response and many are left with significant immunodeficiency (CD4<200).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The prevaLence of patients above the age of 50 Living with HIV/AIDS in Israel is rising. Programs aimed at prevention, education and screening for this unique group are mandatory. An AIDS center should adopt new programs and routines to cope with the increasing number of patients over the age of 50 Living with HIV/AIDS.
authors.affiliation: Clinical Immunology, Allergy and AIDS Center Kaplan Medical Center, affiliated with Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical School Jerusalem, Rehovot. Israel.
authors.forename: Ilan
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Asher
authors.forename: Daniel
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Elbirt
authors.forename: Keren
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Mahlev-Guri
authors.forename: Shira
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Rozenberg-Bezalet
authors.forename: Ben
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Werner
authors.forename: Zev
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Sthoeger
mesh_terms: D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000276:immunology / Q000523:psychology; D000328:Adult; D017668:Age of Onset; D019380:Anti-HIV Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D023241:Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active; D018791:CD4 Lymphocyte Count / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003710:Demography; D005260:Female; D006716:Homosexuality / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D007557:Israel / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D018580:Mandatory Testing; D008875:Middle Aged; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D015995:Prevalence; D012041:Regional Medical Programs / Q000458:organization & administration; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D012737:Sex Factors; D047568:Unsafe Sex / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*
chemical_list: D019380:Anti-HIV Agents