The acquired immunodeficiency syndrome in Auckland in 1985.

We reviewed the notes of the first 11 patients with AIDS managed by the infectious disease unit, Auckland Hospital, who all presented during 1985. All were homosexual males: none had other recognised risk factors: ten had travelled beyond New Zealand. Five were diagnosed at Auckland Hospital, six overseas. Median age was 31 (range 28-43) years. Five had Kaposi's sarcoma and three Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia. Five are alive. They have spent a median 13 (range 0-41) days in Auckland Hospital. Treatment options for the more common problems are discussed. We have tended towards conservative treatment of tumour but more aggressive treatment of opportunistic infection. Medical, nursing and ancillary hospital staff and lay people involved have rapidly adapted to caring for these patients without excessive anxiety.