AEGiS-15IAC: AIDS-wasting syndrome in women patients.

15th International AIDS Conference

Bangkok, Thailand - July 11-16, 2004

AIDS-wasting syndrome in women patients.

Int Conf AIDS 2004 Jul 11-16; 15:(abstract no. B10417)

Gulotta HC, Espinosa G, Levi N, Cacciavillani M, Cazalla L, Rossi ML, Monteagudo M, Troncoso AR
Infectious Diseases Francisco J Muniz, Buenos Aires, Argentina

BACKGROUND: Malnutrition is common among individuals suffering advanced HIV disease. The purpose of this work was to assess the impact of HIV infection on nutritional status.

METHODS: Prospective single-center observational study of 124 pts. Anthropometric parameters (weight, size, and arm muscle circumference, tricipital fold), biochemical measurements (plasma albumin assays, lymphocytes, transferring), and dietary intake were assessed in stratified and multivariate analyses for they're relationship to the presence and severity of malnutrition. Degree of malnutrition, defined by the percent of body weight loss (BWL), calculated by reference to the usual body weight. CD4 lymphocyte count and HIV-1 RNA plasma load were also assessed.

RESULTS: 59 women patient with malnutrition. Average age was 31,55 ± 7.2 years, 35 % were parenteral drug addicts, and 82% had a stage C3 diagnosis. The malnutrition diagnosis was as follows: severe 36%, moderate 51%, slight 13% and mixed (calorific-protein). 54,2% of the patient received dietary supplements, 33,8% enteral alimentation and 12% parenteral alimentation. Nutritional support was suspended as follows: improvement, 54%, transfers 2%, death 28%, and terminal situation, 16%.

CONCLUSIONS: The deterious effects of weight loss on immune function and the physical and psychological sequelae of severe weight loss are well recognized. There is urgent need to strengthen the area of patient's HIV-AIDS care in developing countries. This condition requires a multidisciplinary team approach for effective management including dietitians, nurses, physicians, physical therapist, social workers, caregivers, case managers, reimbursement personnel, and the patient. Treatment should include nutritional counseling. Total parenteral nutrition is sometimes of benefit, particularly in-patients with damaged gastrointestinal tracts.

Keywords: AEGIS, HIV Wasting Syndrome, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, HIV Infections, HIV Seropositivity, Nutritional Status, Nutritional Support, CD4 Lymphocyte Count, Weight Loss, Parenteral Nutrition, Total, Counseling, Humans, Female

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B10417