Abnormalities of Liver Function during HIV Seroconversion Illness

Neurologic sequelae of primary HIV infection

Primary human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection is defined as the period from initial infection with HIV to complete seroconversion. Neurologic sequelae of primary HIV-1 infection are not uncommon, potentially affecting all parts of the nervous system. It is important for the neurologist to be aware of symptomatic primary HIV infection, as it may afford an early and accurate diagnosis of HIV infection and the opportunity for consideration of early antiretroviral therapy. This chapter introduces the clinical manifestations of primary HIV infection, including the laboratory and diagnostic approach, before detailing the various neurologic sequelae. Finally the treatment of primary HIV infection and neurologic sequelae are discussed, in the context of recent advances in the field of HIV reservoirs and longer-term neurologic complications.

The investigation of patients with HIV infection: 10 years of progress

The past decade has seen great advances in the management of patients with HIV infection. The introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has resulted in a decrease in opportunistic infections but the development of new clinical entities such as lipodystrophy and immune reconstitution illnesses. The use of investigations such as lipid profiles and dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scanning to assess lipodystrophy have been necessitated by these changes in the epidemic. Technological advances have resulted in new techniques such as viral resistance assays and single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) scanning. The appropriate use of these investigations is subject to ongoing assessment.