Guidelines for the Use of Antiretroviral Agents in Pediatric HIV Infection. Vol. 47/No. RR-4.
Abstract
Although the pathogenesis of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and the general virologic and immunologic principles underlying the use of antiretroviral therapy are similar for all HIV infected persons, there are unique considerations needed for HIV-infected infants, children, and adolescents, including: (a) acquisition of infection through perinatal exposure for many infected children; (b) in utero exposure to zidovudine (ZDV) and other antiretroviral viral medications in many perinatally infected children; (c) differences in diagnostic evaluation in perinatal infection; (d) differences in immunologic markers (e.g., CD4+ T-lymphocyte count) in young children; (e) changes in pharmacokinetic parameters with age caused by the continuing development and maturation of organ systems involved in drug metabolism and clearance; (f) differences in the clinical and virologic manifestations of perinatal HIV infection secondary to the occurrence of primary infection in growing, immunologically immature persons; and (g) special considerations associated with adherence to treatment for children and adolescents. This report addresses the pediatric-specific issues associated with antiretroviral treatment and provide guidelines to health-care providers caring for infected infants, children, and adolescents.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 17, 1998
- Accession Number
- ADA346838
Entities
Organizations
- Department of Health and Social Care