The Immune Reconstitution Inflammatory Syndrome: A Clinical Update

The immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) is a well-described phenomenon in HIV-infected patients following initiation of antiretroviral therapy and can lead to significant morbidity and mortality in some patients. Risk for IRIS is enhanced in those with low CD4 counts and preexisting opportunistic infections. The development of pathogen-specific definitions of IRIS has aided classification of patients and has facilitated research. Newer data on optimal timing of ART initiation, with additional data in the setting of tuberculosis and cryptococcal meningitis, will help guide strategies to decrease the risk of IRIS but must balance the risks of HIV disease progression. Managing patients with IRIS can be challenging. Treatment options include pathogen-specific therapy, antiinflammatory therapies, and other novel approaches.