Nutritional status of HIV-infected patients during the early disease stages

Nutritional status was monitored in two groups of patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) for up to 16 months. Twenty-six subjects were recruited from patients enrolled in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome treatment protocols in the early stages of the disease. Body weight, percent body fat, serum albumin, total protein concentration, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and total lymphocyte count were monitored monthly. Four-day food intake records were kept every 4 months. In the 19 patients followed for 16 months (Group 1), a significant (p less than .05) decrease was observed in body weight, percent body fat, body mass index (BMI), and total protein concentration. Seven subjects (Group 2), with more advanced disease than Group 1, demonstrated a significant (p less than .05) decrease in total lymphocyte count over a 5-month period. This latter group fell just below the normal range for hemoglobin and hematocrit concentrations during the study period. With the exception of a decrease in vitamin B-6, zinc, and total energy intake, food records closely matched the Recommended Dietary Allowance for the age group. Thus, we conclude that decreases in body weight, percent body fat, and BMI may be the earliest indication of decreased nutritional status in HIV-infected patients.