haart
Noun A highly active antiretroviral therapy; specifically, a combination of several (typically three or more) antiretroviral drugs, including protease inhibitors and reverse transcriptase inhibitors, used to suppress the replication of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and manage acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).
The term "HAART" is used primarily in medical and clinical contexts to describe the standard, aggressive treatment regimen for HIV infection. It is a proper noun and is often written in uppercase letters.
- The patient's viral load became undetectable after six months on HAART.
- Adherence to the HAART regimen is critical for its long-term success.
- The introduction of HAART in the mid-1990s dramatically reduced AIDS-related mortality.
- On HAART: The standard phrase to indicate a patient is receiving this therapy.
- She has been stable and healthy since being put on HAART.
- HAART regimen: Refers to the specific combination and schedule of drugs prescribed.
- The doctor adjusted his HAART regimen to reduce side effects.
- Antiretroviral Therapy (ART): A broader term that encompasses all HIV drug treatments, including but not limited to HAART. HAART is a specific, intensive form of ART.
- Combination Antiretroviral Therapy (cART): A more modern synonym for HAART, emphasizing the combination of drugs.
- Combination therapy (for HIV/AIDS)
- Antiretroviral cocktail (informal/older term)
The term specifically denotes a combination of drugs from at least two different classes (e.g., protease inhibitors and nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors). It is not used for monotherapy (treatment with a single drug). The goal of HAART is to maximally suppress the HIV virus, restore immune function, and prevent progression to AIDS.
- a combination of protease inhibitors taken with reverse transcriptase inhibitors; used in treating AIDS and HIV