Medical ward admissions among HIV-positive patients in Winnipeg, Canada, 2003-10.

Canadian data regarding the characteristics of HIV-positive patients admitted to hospital as well as the causes and patterns of admissions remain limited. Chart reviews were performed to ascertain admission diagnosis, co-morbidities and CD4 counts among this sub-population, which had an over-representation of Aboriginal persons. Infectious diseases, particularly pneumonia, represent the most common admission diagnosis for HIV-positive persons in Winnipeg. Further, individuals presenting to hospital often have very low CD4 counts, representing significant immune suppression. Earlier HIV diagnosis and treatment in an effort to delay the onset of advanced disease and hospitalization is needed.