Evaluation of time for non-GU medicine physicians to diagnose HIV infection in patients presenting with HIV-related illnesses

Abstract

Some individuals with HIV in the UK are only diagnosed when they are admitted to hospitals with AIDS-defining illnesses. Early diagnosis and intervention are important to reduce the morbidity and mortality of HIV infection. Delays in diagnosing HIV infection may be expected to result in an increased risk of disease progression and complications. This retrospective cohort study was conducted between January 2002 and December 2003. Two hundred and nineteen new HIV infections were diagnosed in three hospitals in the south of England during the study period. Of these, 58 patients (35M, 23F) were diagnosed in non-GUM settings. The mean age was 39 years. Over 70% of the diagnoses were made within seven days. Eight percent of the diagnoses were made more than 50 days from the time of first presentation. The surgeons appeared no slower at diagnosing HIV infection in their patients than medical specialties. Late diagnosis of HIV infection remains a significant problem. HIV infection should be considered as part of the differential diagnoses to ensure early diagnosis and intervention.