Ageing with HIV.

Padraig Mcgettrick,Patrick W G Mallon,Elena Alvarez Barco

doi:10.3390/healthcare6010017

Ageing with HIV.

Padraig Mcgettrick, Patrick W G Mallon + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare6010017

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Abstract

The population of people living with HIV (PLWH) is growing older with an estimated 4 million over the age of 50 years, a figure which has doubled since the introduction of effective antiretroviral therapy (ART) and which is increasing globally. Despite effective ART, PLWH still experience excess morbidity and mortality compared to the general population with increased prevalence of age-related, non-AIDS illnesses (NAI) such as cardiovascular disease, malignancies, cognitive impairment and reduced bone mineral density, which impact disability and everyday functioning. This review will discuss the challenges presented by comorbidities in ageing PLWH and discuss the aetiology and management of age-related illnesses in this vulnerable population.

Highlights

Since the introduction of combination antiretroviral therapy (ART), HIV has transitioned from a progressive and often terminal illness to a chronic manageable disease, with people living with HIV
This improvement in life expectancy and longevity has seen an increase in the number of people living with HIV (PLWH) living into older age, with an estimated 4 million people currently living with HIV aged over 50, a figure which has doubled since the introduction of ART and is continuing to increase globally [3,4]
With successful virological treatment of HIV, life expectancy for some persons living with HIV is approaching that of the general population

Summary

Introduction

Since the introduction of combination antiretroviral therapy (ART), HIV has transitioned from a progressive and often terminal illness to a chronic manageable disease, with people living with HIV (PLWH) achieving life expectancy approaching that of the general population [1,2]. With increasing prevalence of co-morbidities, come new and additional challenges, with a switch in emphasis to incorporate management of age-related, non-AIDS illnesses (NAI) An understanding of these NAI and the often-complex interplay with HIV infection is necessary in order to optimise health outcomes in an aging cohort of PLWH and reduce the potential disability associated with them

Methods

Results

Conclusion