Anaesthesia and critical care for patients with HIV infection

pneumonia and mucosal candidiasis in previously healthy individuals in the USA in 1981, the pandemic of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) has reached alarming proportions. The current WHO/ UNAIDS(2004)reporthasestimated38million people living with this infection worldwide; 60–90 000 in the UK. Almost 50% of these are females and the number of people living withHIV/AIDS continues to rise by 1.5million every year. Management of HIV patients poses a significant challenge for healthcare providers. This article outlines the epidemiology and pathophysiology of HIV infection and its implications for anaesthetic and intensive care management.