New trends in the management of HIV infection

ABSTRACT

Undoubtedly there has been good progress in finding some drugs that fight HIV infection. The list of some of these drugs includes AZT, ddC, ddl, 3TC and Protease inhibitors [e.g. Indinavir, ritanovir, Saquinavir] during the last few years; however the age of antiviral monotherapy for HIV infection is over. Several clinical trials have shown clinical endpoint benefit both in terms of progression and survival using a combination of antiviral agents i.e. there is growing evidence that combination therapy is the way forward in HIV treatment. Triple combination is considered a new therapeutic approach and by applying some advanced Laboratory Investigations e.g. CD 4 count, viral load measurement etc, these techniques can guide the treating doctor to a proper evaluation of the progress of the condition of his patient. Prophylaxis and treatment of the most common opportunistic infections have also added to the benefit for AIDS patients