GASTROINTESTINAL EMERGENCIES IN THE PATIENT WITH AIDS

The clinical importance of gastrointestinal disorders among patients w ith acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is enormous. Estimates o f gastrointestinal complaints among AIDS patients range from 30% to 90 %. Many of these patients may be chronically ill and have multiple sim ultaneous opportunistic pathogens and neoplasms. The diagnosis and man agement of serious gastrointestinal complications that often occur in the setting of chronic illness represent major challenges in the care of patients with AIDS.