Significance of altered nutritional status in acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). NLM AIDSLINE Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1986. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

Click here to return to AIDSLINE main menu
DonateNow
Print this Article


Significance of altered nutritional status in acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS).

Nutr Cancer. 1985;7(1-2):85-91. Unique Identifier : AIDSLINE MED/86067336
Chlebowski RT

Abstract: Severe unrelenting weight loss appears to be a major component of the clinical picture seen in the patients with Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). Weight loss has been associated with a poor prognosis for AIDS patients with Kaposi's sarcoma. Strong evidence from a variety of clinical situations indicates that malnutrition per se adversely affects the cellular immune system and the susceptibility of individuals to infectious problems. In addition, weight loss of the degree commonly seen in the AIDS population places patients at risk of death because of resultant organ dysfunction. Moreover, severe weight loss may preclude recovery from infectious complications that otherwise would not represent a lethal challenge to the host. Because even appropriately directed therapies may not be successful when used in patients with severe weight loss, it is crucial to identify the mechanism of the weight loss associated with AIDS and to rapidly initiate evaluation of agents capable of altering or reversing this potentially lethal complication.
Keywords: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome/*IMMUNOLOGY/THERAPY *Body Weight Cachexia/IMMUNOLOGY Combined Modality Therapy Human Immunity, Cellular Immunocompetence Nutrition Disorders/*IMMUNOLOGY/THERAPY Prognosis Sarcoma, Kaposi's/IMMUNOLOGY JOURNAL ARTICLE

KWDacquiredimmunodeficiencysyndrome/KWDimmunology/therapyKWDbodyweightcachexia/immunologycombinedmodalitytherapyhumanimmunity,cellularimmunocompetencenutritiondisorders/KWDimmunology/therapyprognosissarcoma,kaposi's/immunologyjournalarticle
860330
M8630157

Copyright © 1986 - National Library of Medicine. Reproduced under license with the National Library of Medicine, Bethesda, MD.

AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Boehringer Ingelheim, Bridgestone/Firestone Charitable Trust, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Elton John AIDS Foundation, Gill Foundation, the National Library of Medicine, Quest Diagnostics, Roche and Trimeris, and donations from users like you. Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 1986. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.

AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.

Copyright ©1980, 1986. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .