Acute retroviral syndrom — challenges in maintain of adherence, underestimated role of alcohol

Abstract

Purpose: To describe clinical and laboratory features and define a role of alcohol as a barrier to adherence in patients with acute retroviral syndrome, to study readiness of infectious diseases specialists to discuss alcohol consumption issues with their patients. Research materials: Retrospective analysis of medical records of 112 patients with established diagnosis of acute HIV-infection was performed, 22 of them fulfilled an anonymous questionnaire regarding they readiness for starting antiretroviral treatment and alcohol consumption. 82 infectious diseases doctors answered anonymous questionnaire about their attitude towards patients with alcohol related problems. Results: Among 112 hospitalized patients with acute HIV-infection 2 had stage 2А, 96 — stage 2Б and 14 — stage 2В. All patients at stage 2B had oropharyngeal candidiasis. Mean inpatient stay were 10 days, 2 patients required ICU admission. Only in 10 patients (8,9%) antiretroviral therapy was initiated while in-hospital. Half of a patients who fulfilled anonymous questionnaire had a dangerous level of alcohol consumption. Only one third of patients fulfilled survey were ready to start antiretroviral therapy. Medical workers had a low score on motivation scale and satisfaction scale while asked about their attitude towards patients with hazardous level of alcohol comsumption. Conclusion: Patients with acute HIVinfection presented with variety of clinical syndromes and possessed a high potential for spreading disease across society. Underestimation of alcohol consumption along with lack of motivation to work with alcohol abusers are typical for doctors and might facilitate further spreading of epidemy.