Implementing a Rapid Antiretroviral Therapy Program Using Starter Packs for Emergency Department Patients Diagnosed With HIV Infection.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Emergency departments (ED) have been identified as essential partners in the national plan to end the HIV epidemic. The initiation of rapid antiretroviral therapy (ART) may be an important strategy to minimize the treatment barriers faced by many ED patients diagnosed with HIV.

Methods

We describe the implementation and outcomes of a protocol to provide rapid ART by using starter packs for eligible ED patients testing HIV antigen/antibody (Ag/Ab) reactive. Eligible patients were not pregnant, were unlikely to have a false-positive Ag/Ab test result, were discharged home, were ART naive, had acceptable liver and renal function, lacked symptoms of an opportunistic infection, and were judged to be a good candidate.

Results

During the 1-year study period, 10 60

SUBMITTER: White DAE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10323723 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature