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Aging with HIV

Current HIV/AIDS Reports volume 16, pages 475–481 (2019)Cite this article

Abstract

Purpose of Review

This review points out unmet medical needs and open research questions of older adults living with HIV. Starting from the definition of aging in HIV, it explores the mosaic of this condition at epidemiological, pathophysiological, and clinical level. Antiretroviral management and diverse models of care are critically discussed.

Recent Findings

Aging cohorts suggest HIV as a paradigm of chronic inflammation and immune activation with specific aging trajectory patterns in which antiretroviral therapy may play a role. In the absence of randomized clinical trials, observational cohorts show that therapy is driven by duration of HIV infection and burden of non-infectious comorbidities.

Summary

This review suggests that geriatric approach should be used to recognize the complexity of aging goes beyond the viro-immunological success and management of progressive accumulation of non-communicable diseases. This requires recognition of frailty and geriatric syndromes to stratify patients’ diversity by using comprehensive geriatric assessment tools.

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Author information

Affiliations

  1. Department of Surgical, Medical, Dental and Morphological Sciences with Interest transplant, Oncological and Regenerative Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy

    Giovanni Guaraldi, Jovana Milic & Cristina Mussini

  2. Clinical and Experimental Medicine PhD Program, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy

    Jovana Milic

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  1. Giovanni Guaraldi
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  2. Jovana Milic
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Correspondence to Giovanni Guaraldi.

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This article is part of the Topical Collection on Complications of HIV and Antiretroviral Therapy

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Cite this article

Guaraldi, G., Milic, J. & Mussini, C. Aging with HIV. Curr HIV/AIDS Rep 16, 475–481 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11904-019-00464-3

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Keywords

  • Aging
  • HIV
  • Geriatric medicine
  • Frailty
  • Antiretroviral therapy