Causes of Death in HIV Patients and the Evolution of an AIDS Hospice: 1988–2008. (17th May 2012)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Stewart, Ann; Chan Carusone, Soo; To, Kent; Schaefer-McDaniel, Nicole; Halman, Mark; Grimes, Richard
• Other Names: Sonnerborg Anders Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: AIDS research and treatment. Volume 2012(2012)
• Publication Date: 2012-05-17
• Subjects: AIDS (Disease) -- Periodicals; AIDS (Disease) -- Research -- Periodicals; AIDS (Disease) -- Treatment -- Periodicals; AIDS (Disease) -- Patients -- Care -- Periodicals; AIDS (Disease) -- Patients -- Services for -- Periodicals; 616.979205
• DOI: 10.1155/2012/390406
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2090-1240

Abstract

Abstract : This paper reports on the transformation that has occurred in the care of people living with HIV/AIDS in a Toronto Hospice. Casey House opened in the pre-HAART era to care exclusively for people with HIV/AIDS, an incurable disease. At the time, all patients were admitted for palliative care and all deaths were due to AIDS-defining conditions. AIDS-defining malignancies accounted for 22 percent of deaths, mainly, Kaposi sarcoma and lymphoma. In the post-HAART era, AIDS-defining malignancies dropped dramatically and non-AIDS-defining malignancies became a significant cause of death, including liver cancer, lung cancer and gastric cancers. In the post-HAART era, people living with HIV/AIDS served at Casey House have changed considerably, with increasing numbers of patients facing homelessness and mental health issues, including substance use. Casey House offers a picture of the evolving epidemic and provides insight into changes and improvements made in the care of these patients.