Publication
Title
The immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome : a cause of death in persons on antiretroviral therapy?
Author
Abstract
The availability of antiretroviral therapy (ART) has significantly improved the quality of life of persons with HIV infection. However, new problems have arisen as a consequence of this treatment. An immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) in which patients experience a paradoxical worsening of their clinical condition may occur during recovery of the immunity. Thus far, there is no laboratory test available to diagnose IRIS. The diagnosis therefore remains clinical and by exclusion. In this paper, we describe the autopsy findings of three HIV-infected patients who died at the Antwerp University hospital directly or indirectly related to IRIS. One patient died following a disseminated cryptococcocal and Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) infection. Two other patients died with a disseminated aspergillosis infection after receiving corticosteroids to decrease IRIS induced inflammatory signs. These three patients show the difficulties faced by clinicians in diagnosing IRIS and the importance of performing autopsies in persons with HIV infection who die despite receiving ART.
Language
English
Source (journal)
Acta clinica Belgica. - Leuven, 1946 - 1997
Acta clinica Belgica / Belgian Society of Internal Medicine [Ghent]; Royal Belgian Society of Laboratory Medicine. - Gent, 1997, currens
Publication
Leuven : 2013
ISSN
0001-5512
DOI
10.2143/ACB.3281
Volume/pages
68 :4 (2013) , p. 294-297
ISI
000326144100007
Full text (Publisher's DOI)
UAntwerpen
Faculty/Department
Research group
Publication type
Subject
Affiliation
Publications with a UAntwerp address
External links
Web of Science
Record
Identifier
Creation 16.12.2013
Last edited 04.03.2024
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