HIV stroke risk: evidence and implications. (March 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Singer, Elyse J.; Valdes-Sueiras, Miguel; Commins, Deborah L.; Yong, William; Carlson, Margrit
• Is Part Of: Therapeutic advances in chronic disease. Volume 4:Number 2(2013)
• Page Start: 61
• Page End: 70
• Publication Date: 2013-03
• Subjects: atherosclerosis -- cerebrovascular -- human immunodeficiency virus type 1 -- infection -- inflammation -- stroke; Chronic diseases -- Periodicals; Chronic diseases -- Treatment -- Periodicals; Chronic Disease -- Periodicals; Chronic Disease -- therapy -- Periodicals; 616.044
• DOI: 10.1177/2040622312471840
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2040-6223

Abstract

An estimated 34 million men, women, and children are infected with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1), the virus that causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Current technology cannot eradicate HIV-1, and most patients with HIV-1-infection (HIV+) will require lifelong treatment with combined antiretroviral therapy (cART). Stroke was recognized as a complication of HIV-1 infection since the early days of the epidemic. Potential causes of stroke in HIV-1 include opportunistic infections, tumors, atherosclerosis, diabetes, hypertension, autoimmunity, coagulopathies, cardiovascular disease, and direct HIV-1 infection of the arterial wall. Ischemic stroke has emerged as a particularly significant neurological complication of HIV-1 and its treatment due to the aging of the HIV+ population, chronic HIV-1 infection, inflammation, and prolonged exposure to cART. New prevention and treatment strategies tailored to the needs of the HIV+ population are needed to address this issue.