ABSTRACT
Most health care providers are aware that beginning combination antiretroviral therapy (ART) for patients infected with HIV has reduced morbidity of AIDS-related opportunistic infections and subsequently reduced HIV-related mortality. Effective ART leads to significantly reduced viral loads and increased CD4+ T cell counts, especially in the first few months after initiation. ART stimulates immune system reconstitution, thereby reducing the risk of exacerbation or acquisition of an opportunistic infection.
Subject(s)
AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections/nursing , Immune Reconstitution Inflammatory Syndrome/nursing , Adult , Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active , CD4 Lymphocyte Count , Diagnosis, Differential , Female , Humans , Nursing ProcessABSTRACT
Immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome is a constellation of clinical manifestations seen in patients with HIV/AIDS who are taking highly active antiretroviral therapy. The revitalization of their immune systems by these medications leads to the emergence of opportunistic infections that had been treated previously and those never treated. Some of these diseases have serious ramifications if undetected. To care for these patients, the critical-care nurse must be aware of their presentation and treatment.
