Living With HIV: Facing the Challenges

In this issue we examine the unique health concerns faced by people living with HIV -- from changes in appearance and the health risks associated with altered fat distribution, to anemia and depression in women living with HIV, to key oral health considerations. With two articles on aging and HIV, ACRIA continues to examine treatment for the growing number of older adults with HIV. We also have a great report from the recent Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (CROI) that includes an update on new antiretroviral drugs in clinical trials and the FDA approval pipeline.

Dr. Marshall Glesby, a former medical director at ACRIA, thoroughly discusses current thinking and treatment for altered fat distribution found in people with HIV. This thoughtful article notes not only clinical concerns but also the emotional impact of changes in appearance. Dr. Glesby urges further research into why these changes occur and how best to prevent them.

Dr. Richard Havlik discusses common changes in body systems and organs due to aging and the unique impacts of HIV disease and treatment. In a related article, Andrew Shippy and Dr. Jerry Ernst examine and discuss in greater detail the characteristics and management of several illnesses in older adults living with HIV. These articles are part of a series of nearly 100 publications in professional journals and presentations of ACRIA's Research on Older Adults with HIV (ROAH) findings at conferences and symposia. ACRIA will also soon issue a new educational booklet on older adults and HIV that will be useful to both HIV-positive seniors and their providers.

The articles in this issue raise several issues of importance in long-term management of HIV and we'd love to know what you think, so please email us at info@acria.org with your thoughts.

Daniel Tietz is Editor-in-Chief of ACRIA Update.