Medical Aspects of Care for the Person with Advanced Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS): A Palliative Care Perspective

Abstract

The classification and natural history of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is outlined briefly, followed by a detailed consideration of the prognostic factors that form the basis for effective medical communication and decisionmaking in palliative care. The broad clinical spectrum of AIDS and selected management problems are discussed, including palliation by control of oppportunistic infections, neuropsychiatric disorders (including AIDS-related dementia) and safety in the use of corticosteroids. The article ends with consideration of when to stop specific AIDS-related treatments in advanced disease.