Transition of youth living with HIV from pediatric to adult-oriented healthcare: a review of the literature

• Authors: Sophia Hussen, Emory University; Ann Chahroudi, Emory University; Ashley Boylan, Grady Health Systems; Andres Camacho-Gonzalez, Emory University; Stephanie Hackett, Grady Health Systems; Rana Chakraborty, Emory University
• Journal Title: Future Virology
• Volume: Volume 9, Number 10
• Publisher: Future Medicine | 2014-01-01, Pages 921-929
• Type of Work: Article | Post-print: After Peer Review
• Publisher DOI: http://doi.org/10.2217/FVL.14.73
• Subjects: Health Sciences, Public Health; Biology, Virology; Health Sciences, Medicine and Surgery
• Keywords: Science & Technology; Life Sciences & Biomedicine; Virology; adolescent; HIV/AIDS; pediatric; transition; youth; PERINATALLY ACQUIRED HIV; YOUNG-PEOPLE; POSITION PAPER; ADOLESCENTS; SERVICES; EXPERIENCE; INFECTION; NETWORK; SOCIETY

Abstract

Due to advances in antiretroviral therapy, most HIV-infected children and youth now survive into adulthood. Many experts and professional societies have expressed concern about potential disruptions to care when youth living with HIV transition from pediatric to adult-oriented medical care. However, original research focused on this transition process is rare. The existing literature can be organized into the following categories: pretransition assessments of anticipated barriers and concerns; studies describing provider practices during the transition period; and post-transition retrospective analyses after transition to adult care. Most studies had small sample sizes and focused on vertically infected youth. Further work is needed to document clinical outcomes after transition and to evaluate transition protocols that are in place at some institutions.