Weight loss and wasting remain common complications in individuals infected with human immunodeficiency virus in the era of highly active antiretroviral therapy

Clin Infect Dis. 2000 Sep;31(3):803-5. doi: 10.1086/314027.

Abstract

It has been postulated that the use of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) would reduce the occurrence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-associated weight loss and wasting. To test this assumption, we evaluated, by means of longitudinal analysis, a prospective cohort of 469 HIV-infected individuals enrolled in a study of the impact of HIV on nutrition. Overall, 156 individuals in the cohort (33.5%) met at least 1 of these definitions of wasting. Furthermore, 58% of the cohort (289 patients) lost >1.5 kg of weight in a 6-month period between any 2 study visits. More than 50% of the cohort was receiving HAART at the time that they met 1 of the definitions of wasting; with regard to the occurrence of wasting; no differences were related to therapy.

MeSH terms

  • Anti-HIV Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Body Mass Index
  • Cohort Studies
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • HIV / drug effects
  • HIV Infections / complications
  • HIV Infections / drug therapy*
  • HIV Wasting Syndrome / etiology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Weight Loss

Substances

  • Anti-HIV Agents