Subjective global assessment in HIV-infected patients

The Subjective Global Assessment (SGA) tool is utilized by multiple disciplines to determine the nutritional status of a patient. In this study, the SGA was revised for specific use with patients infected with HIV. The revised SGA was used with 36 HIV-infected patients (35 males, 1 female) in a clinic setting for assessment of nutritional status. The authors describe the results of each section of the SGA (weight changes, dietary intake, gastrointestinal symptoms, functional impairment, and physical examination). The most severely malnourished HIV-infected patients presented with a higher frequency of weight loss and gastrointestinal symptoms, a greater degree of functional impairment and wasting, and lower albumin and CD4 lymphocyte values. The revised SGA is useful in identifying which patients need referral to a registered dietitian for further nutritional intervention, education, and follow-up. Utilization of the SGA represents a key opportunity for nurses and dietitians to work collaboratively for the benefit of the patient.