Selected metabolic and morphologic complications associated with highly active antiretroviral therapy

Metabolic and morphologic changes have been described in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. In the short term, these disorders can be debilitating and may require medical intervention, including alterations in antiretroviral therapy regimens. The long-term consequences have not been fully realized, but are important, particularly in the era of durable HIV disease management with highly active antiretroviral therapy. This review focuses on 3 of the important morphologic or metabolic changes, namely alterations in body fat distribution, dyslipidemia, and lactic acidosis. The prevalence of each of these disorders remains unknown due to varied definitions and difficulty in recognition of the conditions for both the patient and the clinician. Treatment regimens directed at these abnormalities are being developed, but clinical trials are needed to fully ascertain the efficacy and safety of such interventions.