IRIS: A concern for people
starting HIV therapy
April 2008 View PDF En
español
Who is at risk?
In general, people with more severely damaged immune systems before
starting HIV therapy are most at risk for IRIS. You and your doctor
should be aware that IRIS is possible after starting therapy;
especially if it’s known that another infection was or is
present and even under control. Possible risk factors are listed
below. The more of these risks you have, the more likely that IRIS
can result.
- People with CD4 counts below 100 before starting therapy.
- People who start HIV therapy for the first time, or re-start
therapy after a time off their meds.
- People with greater drops in HIV levels (2.5 logs or more)
due to therapy, though IRIS has been seen in people with drops
of 1.0 log.
- People with a diagnosis of another infection before starting
therapy. (See box.) The closer the appearance
or diagnosis is to starting therapy, the higher the risk.
People who start on protease inhibitor regimens boosted with Norvir
(some evidence).
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