Abstract
Introduction: The roll-out of Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) to patients infected with the Human Immuno-deficient Virus (HIV) is presenting with co-morbidities as a result of the side effects of the drugs or the prolonged lifespan of the HIV positive individual. This poses a challenge to physiotherapists for rehabilitation which has changed from prophylaxis and management of opportunistic infections to managing the co-morbidities. The aim of this preliminary study was to determine the number of patients on HAART with co-morbidities admitted to three public hospitals in KwaZulu-Natal and referred for physiotherapy.Method: This descriptive epidemiological study used a cross-sectional design to determine the prevalence of co-morbidities associated with HAART. Baseline data of patients and their demographics, AIDS status and clinical co-morbidities were recorded. The sample consisted of 78 patients with an average CD4 count of 338 cells/mm³ and a viral load of 133 copies/mL. Patients were categorised according to their HIV stages: 13 (17%) asymptomatic, 44 (56%) ‘AIDS-related complex’ and 21 (27%) had full blown AIDS.Results: Patients referred for physiotherapy presented with peripheral neuropathy 36 (46%), pulmonary tuberculosis 29 (37%), musculo-skeletal pain 17(22%), myopathies 9 (12%), pneumonia 8 (10%), enthesopathies 4 (5%), cerebral vascular accidents 2 (3%) and abdominal pain 1(1%). Conclusion: To rehabilitate the HIV infected individual successfully physiotherapists should note the side effects and co-morbidities associated with HAART.
Highlights
The roll-out of Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) to patients infected with the Human Immuno-deficient Virus (HIV) is Maharaj SS, D.Phil1 presenting with co-morbidities as a result of the side effects of the drugs or the Rangiah P, MPhysT1 prolonged lifespan of the HIV positive individual
To rehabilitate the HIV infected individual successfully physiotherapists should note the side effects and co-morbidities associated with Highly Active Antiretroviral Treatment (HAART)
Since no published studies described the co-morbidities of patients on HAART referred for physiotherapy in South Africa, this study was an appropriate starting point
Summary
The roll-out of Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) to patients infected with the Human Immuno-deficient Virus (HIV) is Maharaj SS, D.Phil presenting with co-morbidities as a result of the side effects of the drugs or the Rangiah P, MPhysT1 prolonged lifespan of the HIV positive individual. This poses a challenge to physiotherapists for rehabilitation which has changed from prophylaxis and management of opportunistic infections to managing the co-morbidities. Medline, Pubmed, Pedro, Biomed and a wide Google search showed no published studies of co-morbidities and the number of patients on HAART referred for physio therapy in South Africa. The purpose of this preliminary study was to: 1. determine the profile and number of in-patients on HAART referred for physiotherapy
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