HIV and AIDS

Question 1

What are the initial and ongoing management considerations with a patient that has a positive HIV test?

Answer 1

• Initially
  
  • Estalish infection length (seroconversion)
  • Establish levels of social support
  • Determine co-infections (CXR, QF, HBV/HCV)
  • CD4 and viral load
• Ongoing
  
  • As above. Monitor treatment adherence, co-infections, CVD risk

Question 2

What is the “magic number” in HIV/AIDS? Why?

Answer 2

• 200
• AIDS-defining illnesses are rare a CD4 count > 200
• Viral load should be less than 200