HIV infection in the elderly.

The prevalence of HIV in patients over the age of 50 years is increasing. Although older patients may achieve equal or better virologic suppression at equal rates compared with younger patients, the immunologic benefit of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in older patients may be reduced compared with younger patients. Comorbidities are more common in older patients than younger patients and can impact management of HIV in these patients. Providers must be cognizant of drug-drug interactions and side effects of HAART regimens when selecting an antiretroviral regimen in older HIV patients. As the HIV-infected population ages, there is a growing need to better determine the ideal HAART regimen and timing of HAART initiation in older patients.