HIV

Question 1

What is the typical history associated with HIV?

Answer 1

Flu-like symptoms during acute infection: fever, sore throat, rash, lymphadenopathy. Chronic phase: asymptomatic or mild symptoms. History of unprotected sex, IV drug use, or blood transfusions.

Question 2

What are the key physical examination findings in HIV?

Answer 2

Lymphadenopathy. Possible oral thrush, Kaposi’s sarcoma lesions. Generalized wasting in advanced disease.

Question 3

What investigations are necessary for diagnosing HIV?

Answer 3

HIV antibody/antigen test (ELISA). Confirmatory test with Western blot or PCR. CD4 count and HIV RNA viral load for monitoring.

Question 4

What are the non-pharmacological management strategies for HIV?

Answer 4

Educate on safe sex practices and needle use. Regular monitoring of CD4 count and viral load. Supportive care and counseling.

Question 5

What are the pharmacological management options for HIV?

Answer 5

Antiretroviral therapy (ART) with a combination of drugs (e.g., NRTIs, NNRTIs, PIs, INSTIs). Prophylaxis for opportunistic infections based on CD4 count.

Question 6

What are the red flags to look for in HIV patients?

Answer 6

Severe opportunistic infections. Rapid weight loss. Neurological symptoms: confusion, seizures. Signs of organ failure.

Question 7

When should a patient with HIV be referred to a specialist?

Answer 7

Newly diagnosed HIV for initiation of ART. Treatment failure or drug resistance. Opportunistic infections or AIDS-related conditions. Pregnant women with HIV.

Question 8

What is one key piece of pathophysiology related to HIV?

Answer 8

Caused by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), a retrovirus. Infects CD4+ T cells, leading to immune system depletion. Progressive immunodeficiency increases susceptibility to opportunistic infections and cancers.