Merck Serono International S.A. - HIV-associated Wasting

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The information contained in these pages is intended for general reference only. It should not be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease without the advice of a qualified medical professional, and does not replace medical advice or a medical examination. Growth hormone and metabolic disorders is a serious ailment that should be diagnosed by a specialist in that field. Before starting any treatment a physician needs to be consulted.

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HIV-associated Wasting

HIV-associated wasting or cachexia is a metabolic disorder that causes the body to consume vital muscle and organ tissue (lean body mass) for energy instead of primarily relying upon the body’s stored fat. People with HIV-associated wasting typically experience a loss of 5-10% or more of lean body mass, consisting of muscle tissue, organs, blood cells and lymphatic fluids.

Despite the introduction of highly active anti-retroviral therapy (HAART), which extends the lives of people infected with the virus, HIV-associated wasting remains one of the principal causes of ill health in people with HIV/AIDS. Studies have shown that HIV-associated wasting, when left untreated, is directly correlated with mortality.

There are a number of key contributors that may lead to HIV-associated wasting, including diarrhea, loss of appetite, difficulty swallowing, infections, recreational drug use and depression. Patients lose weight and feel tired, and can be prone to more infections or other medical complications associated with HIV infection. In addition, individuals suffering from HIV-associated wasting may find tasks such as exercising, working or performing household chores difficult.

Today, there are three approaches to the treatment of HIV-associated wasting:

Identifying and treating the underlying cause of wasting
Non-drug interventions such as improvements in diet and exercise
Use of drugs to increase appetite, build lean body mass and improve metabolism

Resources:

AIDS Treatment Data Network, New York, NY
       Tel: +1-212-260-8868
       toll free: +1-888-734-7104
       International: +1-301-519-0459
       http://www.hivatis.org
European AIDS Treatment Group (EATG), Düsseldorf, Germany
       Tel: +49-211-788-3481
       Fax: +49-211-788-5441
       e-mail: office@eatg.org
National Association of People With AIDS (NAPWA), Washington, DC
       Project (NWHP), Washington, DC
       Tel: +1-202-547-1155
       http://www.napwa.org
National Women and HIV/AIDS
Project (NWHP), Washington, DC
Tel: +1-202-547-1155
Pediatric AIDS Foundation (PAF), Santa Monica, CA
       Tel: +1-888-499-4673 (toll free)
       Tel: +1-310-395-9051
       http://www.pedAids.org
AIDS Nutritional Services Allinace (ANSA):
       Currently relocating, for information contact: Project Angel Food
       Los Angeles, CA
       Tel: +1-213-845-1800
American Foundation for AIDS Research (AMFAR), New York, NY
Tel: +1-212-682-7440

Last updated: 11/02/2008