As wasting is a significant cause of death in people with AIDS, once weight loss is identified aggressive action should be taken. Complying with Drug Regimens Compliance with prescribed therapy was a significant concern at the Conference. One hopes pharmaceutical companies will take note when developing future therapies. Similarly, health care providers should work with clients to determine regimens which are easiest for clients to maintain. Prophylaxis A session on prophylaxis for OIs reviewed the standard of care for initiating prophylaxis.
Much debate continues regarding the utility of fluconazole prophylaxis for fungal infections.
Those with fluconazole resistant candidiasis may require IV amphotericin B therapy. Another area of debate is whether to continue prophylaxis if the CD4 count returns above the level at which one begins prophylaxis. Some clinicians believe that the immune system will be able to prevent OIs and therefore prophylaxis is no longer needed. Other clinicians suggest the CD4 cell function is not fully restored and the need for prophylaxis continues despite the rise in CD4 count. Nearly all clinicians agree that once an individual has had a particular OI, secondary prophylaxis to prevent a recurrence is required at any level of CD4 count.