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Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy feeding in AIDS
B Crotty1, J McDonald, A M Mijch
1University of Melbourne Department of Medicine, Austin and Repatriation Medical Centre, Victoria, Australia. crotty@austin.unimelb.edu.au
Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology
|June 26, 1998
Summary
Enteral feeding via PEG tubes helped most advanced HIV/AIDS patients gain weight and improve quality of life. While not statistically significant, weight gain correlated with longer survival, with CD4 count >100/microL being a key predictor.
Area of Science:
- Medical Science
- Clinical Nutrition
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Reduced energy intake is a primary cause of weight loss in advanced Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection.
- Maintaining adequate nutritional status is critical for patients with advanced HIV/AIDS.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of enteral feeding via percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tubes in HIV/AIDS patients with significant weight loss.
- To assess the impact of nutritional support on weight gain, survival, and quality of life in this patient population.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective study of 71 HIV/AIDS patients receiving enteral feeding (1000-2000 kcal/day) via PEG tube between January 1989 and August 1995.
- Analysis of weight changes, survival duration, CD4 counts, and reported quality of life.
- Assessment of early complications associated with PEG tube insertion and feeding.
Main Results:
- 72% of patients (51/71) gained weight, averaging 5.8 +/- 4.4 kg.
- Nine patients gained 10 kg or more, with maximum weight achieved at a median of 74 days post-PEG insertion.
- Weight gain was associated with improved quality of life and independence, and a trend towards longer survival (210 vs 109 days, P=0.07).
- A CD4 count greater than 100/microL was the only predictor of weight gain.
Conclusions:
- Enteral feeding via PEG tubes can effectively maintain or improve nutritional status in advanced HIV infection.
- Nutritional support may enhance quality of life and independence, although early complications like wound infections are common.
- Further research is warranted to optimize nutritional interventions and improve outcomes for HIV/AIDS patients.