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The International Antiviral Society
(IAV) released new guidelines for AIDS treatment on Sunday, calling for all
adults to begin antiretroviral treatment as soon as they test positive, rather
than waiting for their immune systems to weaken.
The IAV recommendations for prompt
treatment are the first by a global group; they were released at the 19th
International AIDS Conference in Washington. Currently the World Health
Organization and other groups urge treatment after the CD4 count reaches or
falls below the level of 350 cells/mm3.
The IAV guidelines are based on new
clinical trial data and drug regimens, which warrant an “update to guidelines
for antiretroviral treatment in HIV-infected adults in resource-rich settings.”
“These guidelines are aspirational,”
said Dr. Melanie Thompson, with the AIDS Research Consortium of Atlanta, a
group advocating for increased testing and better care of those with HIV/AIDS.
Thompson noted that most people seek care too late, when they already have
progressed to AIDS. “Unfortunately most people in the world are not going to
benefit from our guideline recommendations,” she said.
Asked about current global funding
issues for care and treatment, Thompson responded, “I think it is a matter of
political will. I think it is a matter of prioritizing and recognizing that
treatment of HIV is cost-effective. It may be cost-saving as well.” She added,
“The science should drive the allocation of resources, and guidelines can play
an important role in that respect.”
[PNU editor’s note: “Antiretroviral
Treatment of Adult HIV Infection - 2012 Recommendations of the International
Antiviral Society - USA Panel” was published in the Journal of the American
Medical Association (2012;308(4):387-402). To access the full recommendations,
visit http://jama.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=1221704#.
The Friends of AIDS Foundation is
dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for HIV positive individuals and
empowering people to make healthy choices to prevent the spread of the HIV
virus. To learn more about The Friends of AIDS Foundation, please visit: http://www.friendsofaids.org.
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