Antiretroviral therapy (ART) has transformed HIV into a chronic condition but is associated with a higher prevalence of comorbidities and accelerated aging. This study aimed to describe the clinical, laboratory, and epidemiological profiles of 393 people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV) followed in an outpatient clinic at a tertiary hospital in Curitiba (April–June 2024), comparing age groups < 60 and ≥ 60 years. A cross-sectional, retrospective, analytical study based on electronic medical record review. Sociodemographic, clinical, laboratory, and comorbidity data were collected. Categorical associations were evaluated using the chi-square or Fisher’s exact test, with odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Continuous variables were compared using the Mann-Whitney test. Among 393 patients (mean age 51.5 ± 12.9 years), 26% were aged ≥ 60. Older adults had lower educational attainment and a higher prevalence of widowhood/divorce. They also had higher frequencies of diabetes mellitus (23.3% vs 6.2%; p < 0.0001; OR = 4.6), osteopenia/osteoporosis (66.0% vs 23.1%; p < 0.01; OR = 4.7), and use of non-standard ART regimens (80.6% vs 49.6%; p < 0.001; OR = 4.2). The CD4+ T-cell nadir was low in both groups (median 89 cells/mm³), with good immunological recovery (current median 545 cells/mm³). Most patients (82%) had undetectable viral loads. The study reveals distinct profiles between young and older PLHIV, with greater clinical and therapeutic complexity among the elderly, particularly due to their high burden of comorbidities. Despite these vulnerabilities, laboratory indicators suggest good infection control, reflecting the quality of care provided. The results emphasize the need for integrated care strategies sensitive to the specificities of aging with HIV.
Maria et al. (2026) studied this question.