HIV-related immune activation and non-AIDS-related complications: story unfolds.

Abstract

For several years, an interesting story has been emerging that links persistent immune activation in HIV-infected patients with non–AIDS-related complications and, potentially, accelerated aging. In 2011, several new chapters were added to this fascinating narrative. A large epidemiologic study found that, compared with HIV-uninfected individuals, HIV-infected patients had higher rates of chronic diseases typical of aging, including kidney disease, diabetes, bone fracture, and cardiovascular disease. The risk for multiple concurrent comorbidities was about the same for a 40-year-old HIV-infected …