Abstract

One of the most effective ways to decrease the replication of HIV and viral load in HIV-infected patients is to inhibit the protease enzyme system. Medications that inhibit the HIV protease enzyme system have been shown to decrease mortality. Protease inhibitors attack a vital point in the viral replication cycle of HIV. Medical research has shown that this class of drugs increases survival and decreases morbidity in the HIV-infected population. However, protease inhibitors have specific side effects, adversely affecting patient compliance and increasing comorbidities and mortality. The first-generation of HIV drugs (and treatment regimes) have been replaced by newer drugs and drug combinations, resulting in fewer side effects and higher compliance rates. This paper presents the results and rationale of a meta-analysis regarding the effect of protease inhibitors on survival in the HIV-1-infected population. The current use of protease inhibitors—although not a cure for HIV/AIDS—is beneficial in controlling HIV and decreasing associated mortality and morbidity.

Keywords: AIDS; Immunodeficiency; HIV; Human Immunodeficiency Virus; Mortality; Protease Inhibitor; Survival

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