22.07.2013 Views

3.30 MB - Academy of Medicine of Malaysia

3.30 MB - Academy of Medicine of Malaysia

3.30 MB - Academy of Medicine of Malaysia

SHOW MORE
SHOW LESS

Create successful ePaper yourself

Turn your PDF publications into a flip-book with our unique Google optimized e-Paper software.

3.2.4 Special issues for adolescents<br />

MANAGEMENT OF HIV INFECTION IN CHILDREN<br />

Adolescents diagnosed with HIV infection have either been infected by<br />

horizontal transmission (sexual, injecting drug use) or are adolescent<br />

survivors <strong>of</strong> perinatal infection.<br />

Differences have been described in the natural history and progression <strong>of</strong><br />

HIV infection in adolescents when compared with adults. Although<br />

adolescents may be more susceptible to HIV infection, they have better<br />

thymic reserve, demonstrate less rapid disease progression and perhaps<br />

211, Level 8<br />

better immune reconstitution with treatment.<br />

Adolescence is a time <strong>of</strong> rapid physical, cognitive and social changes which<br />

may influence disease progression and ongoing care. Combined management<br />

with an adolescent physician is beneficial. Important elements <strong>of</strong> care<br />

include access to age-appropriate health care, mental health and substance<br />

abuse services, peer-to-peer support, sexual health, routine screening for<br />

sexually transmitted infections, risk reduction counselling and contraceptive<br />

counselling. Routine cervical screening should be included for adolescent<br />

girls and the possible use <strong>of</strong> HPV vaccines should be considered.<br />

a) Antiretroviral therapy<br />

Timing and choice <strong>of</strong> therapy have been outlined in the respective sections.<br />

Particular problems in the adolescent include possible extensive prior treatment<br />

for perinatally acquired disease, drug resistances and regimen failures and<br />

issues <strong>of</strong> sustaining adherence. In the PACTG 381 study, 212, Level 8 only 24% <strong>of</strong><br />

adolescents on HAART were completely adherent to their regimen.<br />

b) Dosing<br />

It is recommended that prepubescent adolescents (Tanner stage I or II)<br />

should be dosed according to paediatric guidelines while those in late puberty<br />

(Tanner stage V) should receive adult doses. Refer Appendix 5 for details on<br />

Tanner staging<br />

c) Adolescent Females<br />

Gynecological care is an important part <strong>of</strong> care for the HIV infected female<br />

adolescent. Adolescents with HIV infection may be sexually active, therefore<br />

contraception and prevention <strong>of</strong> HIV transmission should be discussed,<br />

including the interaction <strong>of</strong> specific ARV drugs with hormonal contraceptive<br />

agents. The potential for pregnancy must be considered and this may alter<br />

choices <strong>of</strong> antiretroviral therapy. For example, efavirenz should be used with<br />

caution in females <strong>of</strong> child bearing age and should only be prescribed after<br />

intensive counselling and education about the potential effects on the<br />

foetus. PMTCT strategies and regimens during pregnancy are described in<br />

the relevant CPGs.<br />

38

Hooray! Your file is uploaded and ready to be published.

Saved successfully!

Ooh no, something went wrong!