AIDS-associated anorexia. Clearinghouse, P.O. Box 6003, Rockville, MD 20849-6003. 800-458-5231 ext. 5023.

Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1995. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

AIDS-associated anorexia. Clearinghouse, P.O. Box 6003, Rockville, MD 20849-6003. 800-458-5231 ext. 5023.

J Physicians Assoc AIDS Care. 1995 Jan;2(1):19-22. Unique Identifier : AIDSLINE AIDS/95700084
Beal J; Flynn N; University of California Davis, Medical Center, Internal Medicine; Department, Division of General Medicine, AIDS and Related; Disorders Clinic, Sacramento, CA 95817.

Abstract: The pathogenesis of AIDS-associated anorexia involves any one or a combination of several factors, including malnutrition and nutrient abnormalities, gastrointestinal dysfunction, metabolic dysfunctions, neuropsychiatric disturbances, economic and sociocultural factors, and anorexigenic medications. Appropriate management of anorexia is multidisciplinary, involving pharmacologic assessment, neuropsychiatric evaluation, and appetite stimulants. Two pharmacologic agents, the cannabinoid dronabinol (Marinol) and the synthetic progesterone megestrol acetate (Megace), are approved by the FDA for use as appetite stimulants. Corticosteroid replacement is approved to reverse anorexia and weight loss associated with adrenal insufficiency. The use of androgen replacement or growth hormone in the treatment of anorexia and weight loss is currently investigational but shows promise. Dronabinol has been studied in a double-blind appetite stimulation study run in 18 centers. The six-week study focused on appetite stimulation and weight gain as end points in patients with AIDS-related weight loss. Results are summarized, and considerations that must be addressed by the administering clinician are presented.

Keywords: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome/*COMPLICATIONS Anorexia/*DRUG THERAPY/ETIOLOGY Appetite/*DRUG EFFECTS Human HIV Infections/*COMPLICATIONS Tetrahydrocannabinol/ADMINISTRATION & DOSAGE/ADVERSE EFFECTS/ *THERAPEUTIC USE NEWSLETTER ARTICLE REVIEW RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL
950530
M9551032

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