Medical Management of AIDS in Children

A reference tool for physicians, nurses, and other health-care workers who care for pediatric AIDS patients. This clinically oriented text stresses the unique features of the disorder in children, as opposed to adult patients, and is written by the preeminent experts in the field. Their experience and knowledge is translated into a clear and authoritative source of practical information.Stresses the specific features of pediatric AIDS, including the unique 9-month exposure to maternal HIV infection - precise timing of infection - prolonged levels of HIV in the blood of infants - HIV attack of the developing immune system - obstretic risk factors - acquisition of infection from breastfeeding - alternate diagnostic methods - antiretroviral prevention of HIV infection - potential for thymic immunoreconstitution - neuro-developmental abnormalities - early cardiovascular compromise - pain management - primary care - quality of life and psychosocial issues - and the adolescent HIV patient.Discusses the virology of maternal HIV infection and its impact on transmission to the infant as well as the affect of maternal health on the child's disease progression.Features in-depth coverage of antiretroviral therapy, including highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), immune-based therapy, and the future of vaccine therapy.Explores pediatric HIV infection in developing countries and the global impact of children with AIDS and AIDS orphans.Explains the unique nature of organ system compromise and failure in pediatric HIV infection-including pulmonary, cardiac, dental, dermatologic, gastrointestinal, and hematologic-as well as cancer.Presents treatments used to counteract secondary infections.Encompasses issues specific to primary care, nurse care, and managed care.