HIV and anaesthesia

Abstract

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) are major global health concerns. The most recent WHO/UNAIDS report (2008) has estimated that there are 33 million people worldwide living with this infection, with 2.7 million new infections acquired in 2007. Given that approximately 25% of HIV-infected patients will require surgery during the time of their illness, it is important for anaesthetists to understand the implications of anaesthesia in the HIV-infected patient.This requires a basic understanding of HIV infection itself, the clinical symptoms and organ involvement in HIV infection, the pharmacology of antiretroviral agents (ARVs), as well as implications for regional anaesthesia, the child with HIV and issues surrounding infection control. With this basic understanding we will be better equipped to formulate a plan for anaesthetising the HIV infected patient.