Liver disease, HIV and aging

The life expectancy of HIV-infected patients has increased due to the efficacy of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in controlling HIV replication; thus, the population living with HIV infection is steadily aging. Liver-related morbidity and mortality has emerged as a leading problem in HIV-infected patients. Since aging, HIV infection and HAART all affect the liver, understanding the impact of the combination of these factors on liver disease is crucial for optimisation of care in the aging HIV-infected population. This review will focus on the current understanding of liver disease in older (>50 years old) HIV-negative individuals and in HIV-infected individuals. Areas for future research in the area of HIV, liver disease and aging will also be discussed.