Noninfectious and Nonneoplastic Conditions Associated with Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection.

Abstract

The goal of this review is to describe evolving epidemiology of noninfectious, nonneoplastic pulmonary complications of HIV infection, including HIV-associated pulmonary arterial hypertension (HIV-PAH) and interstitial lung disease (ILD). The development of antiretroviral therapy has rendered HIV a chronic illness in treated patients, and the landscape of HIV-associated medical conditions continues to evolve. Although there has been a shift away from AIDS-defining infectious diseases and malignancies, HIV-PAH continues to affect survival adversely when compared with HIV-infected patients without PAH. Studies of pre- and post-highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) era show that the prevalence of HIV-PAH remains high and unchanged. The increased prevalence of PAH among HIV-infected individuals has led to several complementary theories about potential mechanisms underlying this disease. Unique mechanisms of HIV-PAH focus on direct effects of viral proteins; alterations in cellular immunologic/inflammatory reactions to the virus; additive effects of cocaine, heroin, and other drugs of abuse; and potentially toxic aspects of antiretroviral and associated therapies. PAH-specific therapy with HAART is likely beneficial in the treatment of HIV-PAH patients. The prevalence of ILD in HIV-infected individuals is also significantly higher than that in the general population. Lymphoid interstitial pneumonitis (LIP) and nonspecific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP) have been reported in both HIV-infected children and adults, and NSIP is more common than LIP in HIV-infected patients. At present, there is no consensus on the pathogenesis of LIP and NSIP in HIV. Finally, we briefly review the literature on venous thromboembolic disease in HIV-infected individuals.