HIV-INFECTION AND AIDS - NEW BIOLOGY, THERAPEUTIC ADVANCES, AND CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS - PROCEEDINGS OF A CME SYMPOSIUM HELD DURING THE XI INTERNATIONAL-CONFERENCE ON AIDS - JULY 8, 1996 - VANCOUVER, BRITISH-COLUMBIA, CANADA - INTRODUCTION

Recent advances in our understanding of the pathogenesis of human immu nodeficiency virus (HIV) disease and the important role that viral loa d plays in the initial selection of antiretroviral therapy significant ly alters our management of this disease. Guidelines from the British HIV Association, International AIDS Society-USA, and United States Pub lic Health Service panels regarding the selection of appropriate antir etroviral therapy, and from the Centers for Disease Control and Preven tion on prophylaxis for opportunistic infections, have recently been p ublished. Despite tremendous advances in treating the disease and its related complications, a comprehensive, long-term disease management p lan that includes recognition of patient concerns about quality of Lif e is lacking. New approaches to managing HIV disease must now include strategies that address patient concerns about fatigue, gastrointestin al distress, malnutrition, and weight loss. Patients must become more involved in decisions about selection of specific drugs and drug regim ens and must be consulted about their expectations and needs. We have made significant strides in the treatment of HIV disease. We can readi ly reduce the viral burden to virtually undetectable levels, and we mu st continue to develop even more potent and tolerable treatment regime ns. We can make patients live longer. Helping patients live better qua lity lives deserves further study.