Home nutrition support in HIV disease

Abstract

There exists a strong interrelationship between the nutritional status of PWAs and the effectiveness of the immune system. Nutritional deficiency or a malnutritioned state often accompanies AIDS, thus further compromising the function of the patient's immune system. Nutritional intervention is essential at all levels of the HIV/AIDS disease process, from the asymptomatic phase to the terminal. Each phase is compli cated by the involvement of various organ systems in the disease process. The authors offer information on additional variables to investigate during the nutritional assessment and on the importance of inclusion of the patient in the team planning process. The major roles of oral, enteral, and parenteral nutritional support are addressed, with a focus on the last two. The complexities of the ethics of the continuation/termination dilemma are concretely addressed. This article supports the vital role of the nutritionist in the home health care team.