OBJECTIVETo study the changes of body composition in females patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-related lipodystrophy (LD) syndrome (HIV-LD).

METHODSTotally 25 female patients who were treated in our hospital from January 2002 to December 2009 were divided into LD group and non-LD group based on the existence of LD. All these patients were receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). In addition, 12 healthy women were set as the controls. Total and regional body composition were measured by dual X-ray absorptiometry in all three groups.

RESULTSThe fat mass (FM) was correlated negatively with the duration of HAART (r=-0.431, P=0.029). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that FM had positive correlation with weight and negative correlation with lean mass (LM) (r = - 0. 973, P =0. 000). Total, trunk and leg FM were significantly lower in LD patients than that in controls (P <0.05).Meanwhile, total, trunk and leg bone mineral contents were statistically lower in LD patients than that in controls (P <0. 05). Lumbar bone mineral density of LD patients was lower than that of non-LD patients and controls, and there was significant difference between LD patients and controls (P = 0. 001). LM of LD patients was higher than that of non-LD patients but without statistical difference (P > 0. 05).

CONCLUSIONSThe peripheral and central FM and bone mineral contents remarkably decrease in female patients with HIV-LD. How-ever, HIV-LD patients tend to have higher LM than non-LD patients. .

Adipose Tissue ; metabolism ; Adult ; Body Composition ; physiology ; Bone Density ; physiology ; Female ; HIV-Associated Lipodystrophy Syndrome ; metabolism ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Young Adult

In the current era of effective antiretroviral therapies (ARTs), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection became a chronic disorder that requires long term follow-up. Among other medical issues, these patients may develop endocrine problems, specific to HIV infection and its treatment. The purpose of this review is to give an overview of common endocrine complications associated with HIV infection, and to propose diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. HIV can affect the endocrine system at several levels. Adrenal and gonadal dysfunction, osteoporosis with increased fracture risk, dyslipidemia with increased cardiovascular risk, are some of the endocrine disorders prevalent in HIV-infected patients that may negatively influence quality of life, and increase morbidity and mortality. While ARTs have dramatically increased life expectancy in the HIV-infected population, they are not devoid of adverse effects, including endocrine dysfunction. Physicians caring for HIV-infected patients should be knowledgeable and exercise a high index of suspicion for the diagnosis of endocrine abnormalities, and in particular be aware of those that can be life threatening. Endocrine evaluation should follow the same strategies as in the general population, including prevention, early detection, and treatment.
Anti-Retroviral Agents ; Diabetes Mellitus ; Diagnosis ; Dyslipidemias ; Endocrine System Diseases ; Endocrine System ; Follow-Up Studies ; Gonads ; HIV Infections ; HIV ; HIV-Associated Lipodystrophy Syndrome ; Humans ; Hyperlipidemias ; Life Expectancy ; Mortality ; Osteoporosis ; Quality of Life