Related Experiment Videos
Increase in body cell mass and decrease in wasting are associated with increasing potency of antiretroviral therapy
Stephen J Ferrando1, Judith G Rabkin, Shu-Hsing Lin
1Department of Psychiatry, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, New York, USA. sjferrand@med.cornell.edu
AIDS Patient Care and Stds
|April 29, 2005
Summary
Potent combination antiretroviral therapy (ART) significantly increased body cell mass and reduced wasting in HIV-positive men over two years. These improvements were linked to better medical and mental health outcomes.
Area of Science:
- HIV/AIDS research
- Immunology
- Nutritional science
Background:
- Wasting is a concern in HIV/AIDS, though potent combination antiretroviral therapy (ART) has reduced its incidence.
- Specific body composition changes linked to ART require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To longitudinally assess the association between increasingly potent ART and changes in body cell mass and wasting.
- To utilize bioelectric impedance analysis (BIA) for body composition assessment.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal cohort study of 159 HIV-positive men from 1995-1997.
- Semiannual assessments included BIA, CD4 count, HIV viral load, and symptom evaluation.
- ART potency was scored 1-5; wasting defined as low body cell mass/height.
Main Results:
- Potent combination ART use increased from 6% to 79% over 2 years.
- Significant increases in mean body cell mass and reductions in wasting prevalence were observed.
- Higher potency ART correlated with increased body cell mass and reduced wasting, alongside improved CD4 counts and reduced symptoms.
Conclusions:
- Higher potency ART is associated with improved body cell mass and reduced wasting in HIV-positive men.
- These body composition changes correlate with medical and behavioral improvements.
- Further research is needed to distinguish the effects of specific ART regimens on body composition.