Abstract

14 patients in advanced stages of HIV infection (1 ARC, 13 AIDS; sex: 1 female, 13 male; age 37.8 ± 6.3 years; body mass index (BMI): 17.4 ± 2.4 kg/m 2) were followed prospectively while receiving home enteral nutrition (observation period: 62 ± 75 days). Artificial nutrition was indicated because of severe weight loss (9–38 kg within 6–48 months, n = 7) or cerebral toxoplasmosis with eating and swallowing disorders (n = 7). In all patients a defined formula diet (175 ± 17.7 kJ/kg body weight) was administered through an endoscopically placed gastrostomy tube (PEG). Home enteral nutrition was well tolerated by all patients and no significant PEG-related complications occurred. Enteral nutrition resulted in significant increases in body weight (p < 0.005), body cell mass (BCM, p < 0.05), total body fat (TBF, p < 0.005), serum albumin concentration (p < 0.05), and serum total iron-binding capacity (transferrin, p < 0.01). Conclusion: Home enteral nutrition via PEG is safe and well tolerated in patients with advanced HIV-related immunodeficiency and is capable of improving nutritional state including BCM.

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