Optimum time to start antiretroviral therapy during HIV-associated opportunistic infections.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose of review

We review recently published literature concerning the optimum time to start antiretroviral therapy (ART) in patients with HIV-associated opportunistic infections.

Recent findings

In addition to data from observational studies, results from six randomized controlled clinical trials were available by July 2010. The collective findings of these trials were that patients with CD4 cell counts less than 200 cells/μl who start ART within the first 2 weeks of treatment for opportunistic infections including Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia, serious bacterial infections or pulmonary tuberculosis have lower mortality when compared to patients starting ART at later time-points. Moreover, patients with pulmonary tuberculosis and CD4 counts of 200-500 cells/μl who star

SUBMITTER: Lawn SD 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3801096 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature