The child with HIV infection.

ABSTRACT

1. Although incurable, HIV infection is treatable. Advances in antiretroviral therapy, prophylaxis to prevent opportunistic infections, treatment of opportunistic infections, and aggressive nutritional intervention allow for prolonged survival with a reasonable quality of life for many infected children. 2. HIV-infected children tolerate the majority of surgical procedures well; HIV infection alone is not a contraindication to surgery. Because of the multiple laboratory abnormalities that occur in children with HIV, nurses must assess that the appropriate laboratory testing has been completed and that the results have been reviewed. 3. Symptoms in children with HIV result from multiple causes and present in a variety of ways. As the lives of children are extended with better supportive and antiviral treatment, additional manifestations of HIV are being noted.