Prevalence and factors associated with lipodystrophy in AIDS patients

Lunara Basqueroto Della Justina,Magali Chaves Luiz,Rosemeri Maurici,Fabiana Schuelter-Trevisol

doi:10.1590/0037-8682-0240-2013

Abstract

The published literature shows an increased occurrence of adverse events, such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-associated lipodystrophy syndrome, that are associated with the continuous use of antiretroviral therapy. This study was performed to estimate the prevalence and factors associated with lipodystrophy in acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) patients. We conducted a cross-sectional study between October 2012 and February 2013. The sample consisted of patients with AIDS who attended the Outpatient Treatment Center for Infectious Diseases at Nereu Ramos Hospital, Florianópolis, State of Santa Catarina, Brazil. We collected information on demographics, lifestyle, HIV infection, and clinical aspects of the disease. Self-reported signs of lipodystrophy and body measurements were used for lipodystrophy diagnosis. We studied 74 patients (mean age 44.3±9.2 years; 60.8% men). Among the patients, 45.9% were smokers, 31.1% consumed alcoholic beverages, and 55.4% were sedentary. The prevalence of lipodystrophy was 32.4%, and sedentary subjects had a higher prevalence of lipodystrophy compared with physically active individuals. The prevalence of lipodystrophy was 32.4%. Physical activity was considered an independent protective factor against the onset of HIV-associated lipodystrophy.

Highlights

ABStRACt introduction: The published literature shows an increased occurrence of adverse events, such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-associated lipodystrophy syndrome, that are associated with the continuous use of antiretroviral therapy
The development of antiretroviral drugs and subsequent access to combined antiretroviral therapy contributed to the decline in morbidity and mortality rates associated with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), resulting in an increased life expectancy and improved quality of life for people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)[1,2]
With the reduction in mortality rates, AIDS has become a chronic and treatable disease. Along with these advances, findings in the published literature show an increased occurrence of adverse events associated with the continuous use of antiretroviral therapy, such as HIV-associated lipodystrophy syndrome[3,4,5]