| Title | Does "asymptomatic" mean without symptoms for those living with HIV infection? |
| Publication Type | Journal Article |
| Year of Publication | 2009 |
| Authors | Willard, Suzanne, William L. Holzemer, Dean J. Wantland, Yvette P. Cuca, Kenn M. Kirksey, Carmen J. Portillo, Inge B. Corless, Marta Rivero-Méndez, María E. Rosa, Patrice K. Nicholas, Mary Jane Hamilton, Elizabeth Sefcik, Jeanne Kemppainen, Gladys Canaval, Linda Robinson, Shahnaz Moezzi, Sarie Human, John Arudo, Lucille Sanzero Eller, Eli Bunch, Pamela J. Dole, Christopher Coleman, Kathleen Nokes, Nancy R. Reynolds, Yun-Fang Tsai, Mary Maryland, Joachim Voss, and Teri Lindgren |
| Journal | AIDS care |
| Volume | 21 |
| Issue | 3 |
| Pagination | 322-8 |
| Date Published | 2009 Mar |
| ISSN | 1360-0451 |
| Keywords | Adult, Aged, Aged, 80 and over, CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes, Female, HIV Infections, HIV Seropositivity, Humans, Lymphocyte Count, Male, Middle Aged, Young Adult |
| Abstract | Throughout the history of the HIV epidemic, HIV-positive patients with relatively high CD4 counts and no clinical features of opportunistic infections have been classified as "asymptomatic" by definition and treatment guidelines. This classification, however, does not take into consideration the array of symptoms that an HIV-positive person can experience long before progressing to AIDS. This short report describes two international multi-site studies conducted in 2003-2005 and 2005-2007. The results from the studies show that HIV-positive people may experience symptoms throughout the trajectory of their disease, regardless of CD4 count or classification. Providers should discuss symptoms and symptom management with their clients at all stages of the disease. |
| DOI | 10.1080/09540120802183511 |
| Alternate Journal | AIDS Care |
