Response to treatment

Response to antiretroviral treatment, as measured by changes in CD4 cell count, may affect the likelihood of lipodystrophy, although study findings are contradictory. Several studies have found that people who experienced greater rises in CD4 cell count were more likely to develop high lipids.1 2

However, a Western Australian team found no association between the severity of lipodystrophy and current CD4 cell count or viral load,3 and a review of the HOPS study found that poor CD4 cell reconstitution was associated with fat loss; those with CD4 cell increases of less than 100 cells/mm3 after two years of follow-up were more likely to have lipoatrophy.4

References

  1. Keruly JC et al. Incidence of and factors associated with the development of hypercholesterolemia and hyperglycaemia in HIV-infected patients using a protease inhibitor. 38th Interscience Conference on Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy, San Diego, abstract I-95, 1998
  2. Bani-Sadr F et al. HAART associated lipodystrophy: clinical score of severity and related immunovirological response. Third International Conference on Nutrition and HIV Infection, abstract P-8, 1999
  3. Carr A et al. A HIV protease inhibitor substitution in patients with lipodystrophy: a randomized, controlled, open-label, multicentre study. AIDS 15: 1811-1822, 2001
  4. Lichtenstein KA et al. Incidence of and risk factors for lipoatrophy (abnormal fat loss) in ambulatory HIV-1-infected patients. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr. 32(1):48-56, 2003
Community Consensus Statement on Access to HIV Treatment and its Use for Prevention

Together, we can make it happen

We can end HIV soon if people have equal access to HIV drugs as treatment and as PrEP, and have free choice over whether to take them.

Launched today, the Community Consensus Statement is a basic set of principles aimed at making sure that happens.

The Community Consensus Statement is a joint initiative of AVAC, EATG, MSMGF, GNP+, HIV i-Base, the International HIV/AIDS Alliance, ITPC and NAM/aidsmap
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NAM’s information is intended to support, rather than replace, consultation with a healthcare professional. Talk to your doctor or another member of your healthcare team for advice tailored to your situation.