Pittsburgh Researcher Presents Definition for HIV-Associated Lipodystrophy
Dr. Lawrence Kingsley of the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health, speaking at the 2001 Sessions of the International Association of Physicians in AIDS Care meeting in Chicago on Thursday, proposed a definition for HIV-associated lipodystrophy syndrome (HIV-LS). Lipodystrophy, in which fat in the face, arms, legs and buttocks is lost while fatty deposits appear in the abdomen, breasts and neck, has been noted in patients on antiretroviral therapy, including highly active antiretroviral therapy, as well as in some "long term" HIV patients who have not taken drugs. "Because there has been no formal definition of HIV-associated lipodystrophy syndrome up to this point, the prevalence of reported cases of this condition have varied widely -- from less than 10% of HIV-infected persons to more than 80%. We are proposing a description of the syndrome that can guide physicians and other health care providers in properly diagnosing their patients," Kingsley said. The proposed definition is as follows:
- Peripheral Lipoatrophy only: "[M]oderate or greater" loss of subcutaneous fat in two or more of the following areas -- arms, legs, buttocks or face;
- "Mixed" Lipodystrophy: Peripheral lipoatrophy plus "moderate or greater" fat accumulation in the abdomen or breasts, with or without fat accumulation on the back of the neck;
- Peripheral Lipoatrophy or Mixed Lipodystrophy experienced with "metabolic abnormalities of glucose metabolism or lipids."