HIV Infection: What Primary Care Providers Need to Know
Although accreditation for this CE/CME activity has expired, and the posttest is no longer available, you can still read the full article.
Expires May 31, 2015
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Over the decades, HIV infection has transitioned from an almost universally deadly infection to a chronic, manageable disease. Increased survival, along with improved access to health care and screening, has allowed far more patients to live relatively normal lives. But primary care providers need to stay up to date on all aspects of the disease in order to provide the best possible care to those affected and aid efforts to stem the spread of disease.
WHEN TO REFER
Expert assistance with initiation and management of HIV care is always helpful, but primary care clinicians can provide the majority of care. Obtain expert consultation when
• Initial resistance testing shows resistance to NRTI backbone medication(s) listed as preferred initial options
• There is a significant comorbidity, especially one that involves medications that may interact with an HIV regimen
• Hepatitis B or C is present
• Pregnancy is present or planned
• HIV is not controlled by the initial regimen or a regimen fails.
CONCLUSION
HIV is now viewed as a chronic, manageable disease. As improved screening continues to identify an increasing proportion of HIV-positive patients, improving therapies keep these patients alive and well. As access to care continues to improve, primary care clinicians will provide more of the care of HIV patients. Some patients will require consultation with an HIV specialist, but primary care clinicians must build a strong foundation of knowledge regarding the treatment of HIV and remain current as progress in the field continues.
