HIV-related lipodystrophy: a clinical syndrome with implications for nursing practice

Since the clinical introduction of protease inhibitors for the treatment of HIV disease in 1996, optimism has grown for the long-term survival of persons living with HIV disease. With the addition of protease inhibitors to highly active antiretroviral therapy, the number of deaths from AIDS has decreased dramatically. However, along with reports of dramatic clinical improvement, many cases of a novel lipodystrophy syndrome associated with high triglyceride levels, diabetes, accumulations of fatty tissue, and alterations in body shape have been reported by researchers, clinicians, and persons living with HIV disease. This article reviews the literature on the defining characteristics and pathogenesis of HIV-related lipodystrophy, summarizes the current state of the science, and discusses related research and clinical implications.