The HIV wasting syndrome: a review

The HIV wasting syndrome and other HIV-associated weight loss is a major problem in HIV-infected patients. The available data strongly suggest that wasting is associated with decreased survival. It may also further impair immune function. A variety of etiologies probably contribute to this wasting,...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inJournal of acquired immune deficiency syndromes (1988) Vol. 7; no. 7; p. 681
Main Authors Coodley, G O, Loveless, M O, Merrill, T M
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published United States 01.07.1994
Subjects
Cachexia - etiology
Cachexia - physiopathology
Cachexia - therapy
Diarrhea
Fever
HIV Infections - complications
Humans
Syndrome
Weight Loss
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Summary:The HIV wasting syndrome and other HIV-associated weight loss is a major problem in HIV-infected patients. The available data strongly suggest that wasting is associated with decreased survival. It may also further impair immune function. A variety of etiologies probably contribute to this wasting, including hypermetabolism, alterations in metabolism, lessened oral intake, malabsorption, cytokine effects, and endocrine dysfunction. The relative contributions of each of these etiologies to wasting probably varies considerably from patient to patient. Successful treatment calls for identification of possible etiologies of wasting in the individual patient with AIDS. Further treatment may include treating underlying conditions and controlling such symptoms as diarrhea, nausea, or fever. Nutritional support, including both parenteral and enteral nutrition, has shown some promise of efficacy, and a variety of drugs appears to be helpful. Future treatment to reverse wasting may include the use of several of these agents in combination. Currently, there is much that clinicians can do to evaluate and treat the HIV wasting syndrome, with significant potential benefits to their patients.
ISSN:0894-9255