Stellbrink H-J
Infektionsmedizinisches Centrum Hamburg (ICH), Grindelallee 35, 20146, Hamburg, Deutschland.
Internist (Berl). 2012 Oct;53(10):1157-68. doi: 10.1007/s00108-011-2974-5.
Antiretroviral treatment of HIV-1 infection requires a combination of compounds from different drug classes. It aims at life-long virus suppression, resulting in prevention of disease progression and improvement of life expectancy as well as quality of life. Efficacy, resistance, side effects, drug interactions, and patient preferences have to be considered along with factors improving long-term high-level adherence. Treatment indication is primarily based on clinical symptoms and CD4(+) T-cell count. In view of the perspective of treatment over decades, the complexity of therapeutic considerations increases and requires a high level of continuing medical education.