Antiretroviral treatment combined with nutritional support in acquired immune deficiency syndrome patients with comorbid malnutrition

Abstract

Objective To explore ways to improve effect of antiretroviral therapy in acquired immune deficiency syndrome patients with comorbid malnutrition, in an effort to enhance quality of life and reduce cost. Methods 126 AIDS patients with comorbid malnutrition were randomly divided into treatment group (n=63) and control group (n=63). Patients in the treatment group were given nutrition support besides antiretroviral therapy (ART), while those in the control group only received ART. After 3 months, the two groups were compared in terms of body mass index, skinfold thickness, CD4+ T cell count and human immunodeficiency virus load. Results The two groups were comparable before treatment in BMI, skinfold thickness, CD4+ T cell count and HIV load (P>0.05). After treatment, the treatment group, compared with the controls, had higher BMI [(23.23±3.15)kg/m2vs.(17.25±1.83)kg/m2], thicker skinfold [ (42.9±6.8)mm vs.(34.5±5.2)mm in males; (97.6±17.4)mm vs.(92.3±14.7)mm in females], higher CD4+ T cell count (χ2=12.573, P<0.01), and lower HIV load (χ2=8.683, P<0.01). Conclusion Nutrition support may improve treatment of AIDS patients with comorbid malnutrition, as manifested in better BMI, skinfold thickness, CD4+ T cell count and HIV load. Key words: Acquired immune deficiency syrdrome; Mitridrinal sappors; Anti-retroviral therapy; Nutrition support; Docosahexaenoic acid