Aerobic capacity and health-related quality of life in adults HIV-infected patients with and without lipodystrophy

Abstract

Introduction: HIV infection and its therapy which can affect their aerobic capacity and health-related quality of life of patients.

Objective: We conducted a cross-sectional study to determine if aerobic capacity and health related quality of life was decreased in HIV-infected patients receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy and comparing patients with and without lipodystrophy.

Research design and methods: HIV-infected patients older than 18 years, and in current use of highly active antiretroviral therapy drugs, were evaluated for blood count, fasting total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein, triglycerides, glucose, HIV viral load and CD4/CD8 counts, body composition, peak oxygen consumption (peak VO2) and metabolic equivalent. Health related quality of life was assessed by using Short Form-36 (SF-36). Statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS version 20.0.

Results: A total of 63 patients with mean age of 43.1±6.4 years were evaluated, of these 34 (54%) had lipodystrophy. The average peak VO2 (31.4±7.6mLkg(-1)min(-1)) was significantly lower (p<0.01) than expected values (37.9±5.6mLkg(-1)min(-1)) according to the characteristics of the patients. The lipodystrophy group presented with a significant difference in muscle mass, body fat, peak VO2 and metabolic equivalent and in functional capacity domains of SF-36.

Conclusion: Aerobic capacity values were reduced in HIV-infected patients under highly active antiretroviral therapy when compared to predicted values. Lipodystrophy was associated with reduced aerobic capacity and higher frequency of metabolic syndrome. Lifestyle modification should be a priority in the management of chronic HIV disease.

Keywords: Antiretroviral therapy; Disability; HIV infection; Quality of life.