title: [When to start antiretroviral therapy].
abstract: Combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) has improved the prognosis of HIV-infected individuals dramatically - which is now close to a normal life expectancy in a significant proportion of treated individuals. However, several factors, such as the presence of transmitted HIV drug resistance, adherence to treatment, co-morbidities, drug-drug interactions and adverse effects may influence the efficacy of cART. Due to newer und better tolerated drugs, a trend towards earlier initiation of cART has occurred over time. Since cART should be taken life-long, it is of paramount importance to adequately prepare and inform the patient, in order to optimize adherence and thus treatment efficacy.
authors.affiliation: Klinik für Infektiologie und Spitalhygiene, Universitätsspital Basel.
authors.forename: Luigia
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Elzi
authors.affiliation: Klinik für Infektiologie und Spitalhygiene, Universitätsspital Basel.
authors.forename: Manuel
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Battegay
mesh_terms: D016915:AIDS Vaccines / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D044966:Anti-Retroviral Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans
chemical_list: D016915:AIDS Vaccines; D044966:Anti-Retroviral Agents