Managing male patients with HIV

Managing Male Patients with HIV provides a comprehensive understanding of the diagnosis, treatment, and holistic care of men living with HIV. This five-unit course offers insights into antiretroviral therapy, managing coexisting conditions, and supporting patients' mental health for improved adherence and outcomes.

Unit 1: Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) Basics
Learn the fundamentals of ART, including recommended treatment regimens and their initiation based on viral load and CD4 counts. This unit details the importance of personalised therapy, baseline resistance testing, and managing comorbid conditions like hepatitis B and C. Monitoring guidelines, drug interactions, and strategies for long-term ART adherence are also covered.

Unit 2: Side Effects of ART
Explore the side effects associated with various ART classes, including nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs), protease inhibitors, and integrase inhibitors. This unit provides tools for recognising, managing, and mitigating adverse effects such as hepatotoxicity, neuropathy, and gastrointestinal disturbances, ensuring patient comfort and compliance.

Unit 3: Immune Reconstitution Inflammatory Syndrome (IRIS)
Understand the pathophysiology, risk factors, and clinical presentation of IRIS, a complication following ART initiation. This unit discusses diagnostic criteria, differentiating IRIS from treatment failure, and management strategies, including the use of steroids and supportive care for life-threatening cases.

Unit 4: Associated Diseases and Conditions
This unit delves into opportunistic infections, malignancies, and inflammatory conditions linked to advanced HIV. Topics include the management of Kaposi sarcoma, cryptococcosis, and papular pruritic eruptions. Participants will also explore the impact of chronic conditions such as psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis on patient well-being and treatment approaches.

Unit 5: Mental Health and Depression in HIV
Address the critical role of mental health in managing HIV. This unit highlights the intersection of HIV-related stigma, depression, and treatment adherence. Strategies include tailored antidepressant therapies, counselling, and leveraging social support systems to reduce viral loads and improve patient outcomes.

This course integrates case discussions, practical guidelines, and the latest research to empower healthcare providers in delivering exceptional care for male patients with HIV, fostering better health outcomes and quality of life.