Epidemiology of HIV infection seen at the Royal Adelaide Hospital, 1985-1993

Between 1985 and May 1993, 297 patients infected with HIV have been treated by the infectious diseases department of the Royal Adelaide Hospital, 110 patients had AIDS defining illnesses and 75 died. The characteristics of this population were studied, including age, degree of immunosuppression at presentation to the RAH, risk marker and survival.

There was a significantly higher percentage of patients with a history of IDU (20%) when compared to national or state health commission data (7.7%). The 20-29 year age group made up only 27% of our patients (expected 39%) whilst 50% were in the 30-39 age group (expected 36%).

Prior to 1990 70% of the patients (35/50) had stage IV diseases (CDC classification 1989) at first presentation compared to only 30% of the patients seen for the first time at the RAH since 1990 (29/109). Since 1989, a steady decline in the percent of patients seen at the RAH for the first time with a CD4 count below 200 was also noted.

There was a trend towards poorer survival in patients presenting before 1990 and in patients with homosexuality as a risk marker.

The rapid increase in the numbers of patients seeking treatment at the Royal Adelaide Hospital for HIV infection continues.