The fat redistribution syndrome in patients infected with HIV: measurements of body shape abnormalities.

OBJECTIVE

To describe the body shape changes in the syndrome of fat redistribution or lipodystrophy seen in patients infected with HIV.

DESIGN

An objective description of patients with HIV with fat redistribution syndrome. Body-height, weight, shape, and composition were measured by anthropometrics and biolectrical impedance analysis by a single observer. Clinical data were collected by chart review.

SUBJECTS/SETTING: Thirty-nine patients with HIV receiving primary HIV care at a university hospital-affiliated infectious disease clinic who presented with complaints of body shape changes or who were referred by their primary care providers for body shape changes.

ANALYSIS

Descriptive statistics were performed.

RESULTS

Four of the 39 patients (10%) had not used protease inhibitor therapy. HIV status (by clinical presentation, CD4 and VL) varied widely. Laboratory abnormalities were moderate. Percent body fat differed widely when measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis and anthropometry (23% vs 13%). The mean body mass index was 25.6 kg/m2 for men and 25.8 kg/m2 for women. The mean waist/hip ratio was above normal, at 1.02. The mean mid-arm circumference and triceps skinfolds were below national standards for both men (30.4 cm and 8.1 mm, respectively) and women (26.7 cm and 7.5 mm, respectively). Nine patients (23%) had an increased dorso-cervical pad. Seventeen patients returned for follow-up measurements at 3 months; no significant differences were found between baseline and follow-up measurements.

CONCLUSIONS

The waist/hip ratio, mid-arm and mid-thigh circumference, and triceps skinfolds were useful measures to define and follow the fat redistribution syndrome in patients with HIV. These body composition changes were not transitory in this short follow-up period.