Advances in treatment of HIV

The development of new and improved treatments both for the underlying HIV infection and the opportunistic infections has significantly altered the natural history of HIV and AIDS.

Early use of today’s antiretroviral therapies, before HIV-related symptoms develop, may reduce an individual’s risk of developing an AIDS-defining illness. Furthermore, many people with very advanced disease, including those with a prior AIDS diagnosis, have experienced remarkable recoveries in physical health, accompanied by rising CD4 counts and a reduction in viral load.

HIV always requires individualised care, which is based on the patient’s past and present state of health, and on wider factors which influence daily life.
Anti-HIV drugs prevent HIV from damaging the immune system, and so prevent ill-health and prolong survival.
Currently available HIV therapy does not eliminate HIV from the body. The aim is to reduce viral load to undetectable levels.
It is currently recommended that treatment starts before the CD4 count falls below 350, or if the patient is ill because of HIV.
Combinations of at least three anti-HIV drugs provide the best chance of reducing the amount of HIV in the blood to very low levels.
Patients are recommended to start treatment with efavirenz (Sustiva) with either Truvada (tenofovir and FTC) or Kivexa (3TC and abacivir).
Taking anti-HIV drugs as prescribed is extremely important, as this will prolong the benefit and reduce the risk of resistance to the drugs developing.
HIV therapy, which is not suppressing viral load to undetectable levels, should be changed if there are other drugs available which seem likely to achieve this.
To work, anti-HIV drugs have to be taken properly. This is more likely if the patient has taken part in decisions about their treatment and is supported in, and committed to, taking it.

More detailed information about advances in treatment can be found at http://www.aidsmap.com/cms1000229.asp

Last updated April 2010