B-MS sponsors late-presentation meeting on HIV

US drug major Bristol-Myers Squibb sponsored a special meeting of European experts to discuss the late presentation of HIV/AIDS. Topics  that were covered include research on late presentation, its public  health implications in western Europe, early HIV testing and the  management of late presenters.

In Europe, between 15% and 38% of those infected with HIV do not present  for testing until late in infection, when their CD4 cell counts are low,  viral load high and the immune system has been significantly  compromised. Late presentation often results in less than optimal  outcomes, with increased mortality, morbidity and decreased quality of  life.

"Early treatment allows for greater immunological recovery, a reduction  of AIDS progression, a reduced risk of related illnesses and lower  mortality," said conference co-chair Jurgen Rockstroh. "Thanks to  advances in medical research, there are a number of HIV treatment  options available for low CD4 cell count patients, including the late  presentation population. Antiretroviral therapy now makes it possible  for many HIV-infected persons to live long, and fairly normal, lives,"  he added.