BUSINESS WIRE; June 22, 1998
Harris' investigation finds that lipodystrophy-the condition commonly known as "buffalo hump" or "Crixivan potbellies"-can be much more dangerous than previously thought. "In the most common scenarios patients lose fat from their face, limbs, and upper trunk, becoming very lean and veiny in those areas, and gain fatty deposits on odd places-behind the neck, the top of the spinal cord, and the abdomen," Harris commented. "But there have also been cases of dangerous amounts of fat collecting in large blocks around the liver and heart, possibly compromising their functioning." Women, Harris also reports, may be more at risk than men. "Women with lipodystrophy report large increases in breast size, often going up in bra size by unbelievable amounts-from a B cup to a D cup." The condition creates different health problems for women with HIV, as less is known about their metabolism by scientists than men's.
Lipodystrophy may lead to other serious health problems. "Many doctors have reported high levels of sugars and fats in the blood of their patients under protease treatments. These place them at an elevated risk of heart attack and diabetes," Harris added. Lipodystrophy also appears to interfere with the body's ability to manufacture insulin, possibly leading to diabetes down the road.
What does this all mean for patients taking protease inhibitor cocktails? These new findings raise questions for every person taking under this treatment. Are they at risk? What are the options for people with HIV?
Elise Harris wrote "Ms. Smith Goes to Washington?" for the May issue of OUT.
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