HIV infection: The Daily PANCE Blueprint
A 40-year-old female is discovered to be HIV-positive on routine screening while donating blood. Her labs reveal CD4 count of 250 cells/mm3, HIV viral load: 150,000 copies, platelet count: of 90,000 103/uL. Which of the following is the next best step?
A. Transfuse platelets
B. Start high-dose steroid treatment
C. Prescribe doxycycline
D. Order combination antiretroviral therapy
E. Refer to hematology and oncology
Answer and topic summary
The answer is D. Order combination antiretroviral therapy
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection leads to chronic immunodeficiency. It can be transmitted vertically (from mother to baby), parenterally, or sexually. The 3 stages are: acute infection, clinical latency, and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Patients with acute HIV infection (aka acute retroviral syndrome) may present with fever, fatigue, headaches, lymphadenopathy, diarrhea, thrombocytopenia, and a rash. Thrombocytopenia is common in HIV Patients and could be the first sign of disease in 5-15% of patients. HIV infection can be detected using antigen/antibody test. Treatment is antiretroviral medications (ARTS); the effectiveness of the treatment is determined by frequent CD4 count and viral load checks.
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Covered under ⇒ PANCE Blueprint Infectious Disease ⇒ ⇒
