Antiretroviral therapy in HIV-infected children: the metabolic cost of improved survival

Infect Dis Clin North Am. 2005 Sep;19(3):713-29. doi: 10.1016/j.idc.2005.05.006.

Abstract

Although highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has positively altered the morality rates in HIV-infected children, these drugs have the potential to cause significant morbidity. These drugs cause changes in fat distribution, lipid profiles, glucose, homeostasis, and bone turnover. The direct relationship between duration of drug exposure and increased risk of cardiovascular disease is particularly concerning for HIV-infected infants and children, who likely will have longer cumulative exposure to HAART. It is unclear whether the metabolic effects of decades of exposure would be reversible with cessation of therapy. The benefits of HAART in HIV infection are indisputable, but the impetus to find a cure or design more tolerable therapy is clear. Infarction may replace infection as the major cause of morbidity and mortality from HIV.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Acidosis, Lactic / chemically induced
  • Anti-HIV Agents / adverse effects*
  • Anti-HIV Agents / therapeutic use
  • Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active / adverse effects*
  • Bone Diseases / etiology
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / chemically induced
  • Child
  • Dyslipidemias / chemically induced
  • Dyslipidemias / drug therapy
  • HIV Infections / complications
  • HIV Infections / drug therapy*
  • Humans
  • Insulin Resistance
  • Lipodystrophy / chemically induced
  • Lipodystrophy / drug therapy

Substances

  • Anti-HIV Agents