Document 0335
 DOCN  M9460335
 TI    The option of intensive care for the patient with AIDS (a literature
       review).
 DT    9404
 AU    Nerlich S
 SO    Aust Crit Care. 1993 Sep;6(3):8-10. Unique Identifier : AIDSLINE
       MED/94176973
 AB    The utilisation of intensive care facilities in the treatment of
       Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) related disease has been
       traditionally questioned on the basis of early results of poor prognosis
       for patients with AIDS admitted to Intensive Care Units (ICUs). However,
       recent reviewers have pointed out a significant improvement in
       in-hospital survival rates for AIDS patients admitted to ICU. Improved
       prognosis may be related to improved drug therapies in response to
       Pneumocystis Carinii Pneumonia (PCP) infection (including the use of
       corticosteroids), as well as initiating mechanical ventilation in
       response to the associated respiratory failure earlier in the disease
       process. The decision to utilise intensive care facilities is often
       complicated by AIDS related neurological complications, rendering the
       patient incapable of consenting to (or refusing) treatment. The
       importance of obtaining a Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infected
       patient's wishes in regard to their long term management is discussed.
       Options that have been used previously by patients with AIDS to ensure
       such wishes are carried out are presented.
 DE    Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome/MORTALITY/*THERAPY  Decision Making,
       Organizational  Human  Informed Consent  *Intensive Care/ORGANIZATION &
       ADMIN/UTILIZATION  Prognosis  Survival Rate  JOURNAL ARTICLE  REVIEW
       REVIEW LITERATURE

       SOURCE: National Library of Medicine.  NOTICE: This material may be
       protected by Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S.Code).