Anaesthesia and intensive care in patients with HIV

Summary HIV patients have excellent long-term outcome since the introduction of combination antiretroviral therapy. However, HIV treatment is complex and carries the potential of side effects and drug interactions. Anaesthetists need to have a working knowledge of HIV infection, its complications and its management as increasing numbers of HIV infected patients are admitted to hospital for surgical interventions or intensive care units. The aim of this review is to highlight the prevalence, pathogenesis and key areas of management that potentially will require anaesthetists' involvement.