Abstract
Reported here is a case of a patient with pulmonary arterial hypertension related to HIV (PAHRH) in which lipodystrophy necessitated interruption of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) and long-term survival was the outcome. Although previous studies have suggested antiretroviral therapy may benefit patients with this rare complication of HIV infection, no worsening of PAHRH was observed when HAART was interrupted. Clinical and echocardiographic parameters remained stable during 7 months of follow up. In cases in which HAART is associated with relevant toxicity, interruption of HAART in patients with PAHRH can be considered, but should be used only if no alternatives are available. Close follow-up is warranted.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Speich R, Jenni R, Opravil M, Pfab M, Russi EW (1991) Primary pulmonary hypertension in HIV infection. Chest 100:1268–1271
Opravil M, Pechere M, Speich R, Joller-Jemelka HI, Jenni R, Russi EW, Hirschel B, Luthy R (1997) HIV-associated primary pulmonary hypertension. A case control study. Swiss HIV Cohort Study. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 155:990–995
Mehta NJ, Khan IA, Mehta RN, Sepkowitz DA (2000) HIV-related pulmonary hypertension: analytic review of 131 cases. Chest 118:1133–1141
Pellicellii AM, D’Ambrosio C, Vizza CD, Borgia MC, Tanzi P, Pino P, Zachara E, Soccorsi F (2004) HIV-related pulmonary hypertension. From pathogenesis to clinical aspects. Acta Cardiol 59:323–330
Klings ES, Farber HW (2003) The pathogenesis of HIV-associated pulmonary hypertension. Adv Cardiol 40:71–82
Cool CD, Rai PR, Yeager ME, Hernandez-Saavedra D, Serls AE, Bull TM, Geraci MW, Brown KK, Routes JM, Tuder RM, Voelkel NF (2003) Expression of human herpesvirus 8 in primary pulmonary hypertension. N Engl J Med 349:1113–1122
Alp S, Schlottmann R, Bauer TT, Schmidt WE, Bastian A (2003) Long-time survival with HIV-related pulmonary arterial hypertension: a case report. Aids 17:1714–1715
Ricciardi MJ, Rubenfire M (1999) How to manage primary pulmonary hypertension. Giving hope to patients with a life-threatening illness. Postgrad Med 105:45–48, 51–46
Sitbon O, Gressin V, Speich R, Macdonald PS, Opravil M, Cooper DA, Fourme T, Humbert M, Delfraissy JF, Simonneau G (2004) Bosentan for human immunodeficiency virus-associated pulmonary arterial hypertension. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 170:1212–1217
Zuber JP, Calmy A, Evison JM, Hasse B, Schiffer V, Wagels T, Nuesch R, Magenta L, Ledergerber B, Jenni R, Speich R, Opravil M (2004) Pulmonary arterial hypertension related to HIV infection: improved hemodynamics and survival associated with antiretroviral therapy. Clin Infect Dis 38:1178–1185
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Zinkernagel, A.S., von Overbeck, J., Opravil, M. et al. Long-term survival and interruption of HAART in HIV-related pulmonary hypertension. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 24, 153–155 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10096-005-1289-7
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10096-005-1289-7