Impact of lipodystrophy on the quality of life of HIV-1-infected patients.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION:

Lipodystrophy (LD) represents an important problem for HIV-1-infected patients receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), although its impact on quality of life (QoL) has not been properly studied.

DESIGN:

Cross-sectional, nonrandomized, observational study performed on consecutive, clinically stable outpatients taking HAART for more than 1 year.

METHODS:

Data on patients' characteristics, HIV-1 infection, treatment adherence and adverse effects, overall QoL measured by the Profil der Lebensqualität Chronischkranker (PLC), and the presence of LD defined by clinical criteria were assessed.

RESULTS:

Eighty-four (56%) of 150 interviewed patients fulfilled criteria for LD. Patients with LD were older, had been taking antiretroviral treatment longer, and reported a poorer physical status than patients without LD. Surprisingly, LD itself was not found to influence overall QoL. However, homosexual patients, unemployed patients, and those patients undergoing current psychiatric treatment showed greater impairment on some of the QoL subscales related to psychological well-being if they suffered from LD.

CONCLUSION:

The impact of HIV-related LD on QoL depends on certain patient characteristics, rather than on the presence of LD itself.

• Authors: Jordi Blanch, Araceli Rousaud, Esteban Martínez, Elisa De Lazzari, Josep-Maria Peri, Ana Milinkovic, Jose-Bernardo Perez-Cuevas, José-Luís Blanco, Josep-Maria Gatell
• Journal: Journal of acquired immune deficiency syndromes (1999) (J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr) Vol. 31 Issue 4 Pg. 404-7 (Dec 01 2002) ISSN: 1525-4135 [Print] United States
• PMID: 12447011 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article)

Topics

• Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (drug therapy)
• Adult
• Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active
• Cross-Sectional Studies
• Employment
• Female
• HIV-1
• HIV-Associated Lipodystrophy Syndrome (physiopathology, psychology)
• Humans
• Male
• Patient Selection
• Quality of Life
• Social Class
• Socioeconomic Factors