HIV AIDS Complications

AIDS Dementia Complex: HIV Encephalopathy

• HIV - Associated Dementia Complex (ADC)

• Refers to manifestations of CNS involvement

• Due to infection of CNS w/ HIV virus

• Occurs in about 70% w/ AIDS

• Manifestations range from barely noticeable to severe dementia

AIDS Wasting Syndrome

• Involuntary weight loss of lean & fat mass

• Treated w/:

  • Anabolic steroids

  • Growth hormone

  • Marinol

  • Megace

  • Testosterone in men

• Nursing Actions

  • Maintain nutrition

Kaposi’s Sarcoma

• Cancer that forms in lining of blood vessels & lymph vessels

• Small purplish brown raised lesions

• Risk related to co-infection w/ human herpes virus-8

• ART lessens likelihood

Opportunistic Infections

• Caused by organisms present as part of the normal environment

• Only when immune function is depressed are such organisms capable of causing infection

• Ex:

  • Bacteria

  • Virus

  • Parasites

  • Fungus

Opportunistic Infections Continued

• Mycobacterium Avium Complex (MAC)

• Tuberculosis

• Cytomegalovirus (CMV)

• Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia (PJP)

  • Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP)

• Histoplasmosis

• Toxoplasmosis

• Cryptosporidiosis

• Candidiasis

Other Issues

• Anemia treated with erythropoietin

• Leukopenia treated with Neupogen

• Neuropathy treated with Neurontin or similar meds

Goals of Community Based Care

• For the patient to:

  • Adhere to prescribed drug regimen

  • Practice safe sex techniques all the time

  • Remain free of opportunistic diseases

  • Maintain maximal function, weight, self-esteem, skin integrity, & orientation

  • Maintain a strong support system