obsolete HIV wasting syndrome

HIV Wasting Syndrome: An Obsolete Condition

HIV wasting syndrome, also known as AIDS wasting syndrome or HIV-associated wasting disease, was an acquired immunodeficiency syndrome that resulted in involuntary loss of more than 10% of body weight, plus at least 30 days of either diarrhea, weakness and fever, or other symptoms. This condition was considered an AIDS-defining condition.

Characteristics

• Involuntary weight loss of greater than 10 percent associated with intermittent or constant fever and chronic diarrhea or fatigue for more than 30 days in [8].
• Patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) often suffered from weight loss manifested by a loss of body cell mass (BCM), which may include anorexia, malabsorption, and altered metabolic states [10].
• Wasting was an early identifying characteristic of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, originally termed "slim disease" in Africa [11].

Definition

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HIV wasting syndrome was defined as profound involuntary weight loss of greater than 10 percent of baseline body weight plus either chronic diarrhea or chronic weakness and documented fever for at least 30 days, in the absence of a concurrent illness or condition other than HIV infection [13].

Other Names

This condition was also known by other names, including AIDS wasting syndrome, Human immunodeficiency virus infection wasting syndrome, and HIV-associated wasting disease.

Note: This information is based on outdated medical knowledge. The current understanding and treatment of HIV-related conditions have evolved significantly since then.

HIV Wasting Syndrome: Signs and Symptoms

HIV wasting syndrome, also known as HIV-associated cachexia, was a condition characterized by unintended weight loss, fever, weakness, and diarrhea in individuals with advanced HIV disease. The following are the common signs and symptoms of this condition:

• Unintentional Weight Loss: A significant and unexplained weight loss of more than 10% of body weight over a short period, often accompanied by a decrease in muscle mass [1][2].
• Fever: A persistent and recurring fever, which can be a sign of an underlying infection or inflammation [3].
• Weakness: Muscle weakness, particularly in the proximal muscles (those closest to the trunk), which can make everyday activities challenging [4].
• Diarrhea: Persistent diarrhea lasting for more than 30 days, which can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances [5][6].
• Malaise: A general feeling of being unwell or tired, often accompanied by a lack of appetite [7].

These symptoms were often associated with advanced HIV disease and could indicate a poor prognosis. However, it's essential to note that the incidence of wasting syndrome has decreased significantly since the introduction of antiretroviral therapies (ARTs), which have improved the management of HIV infection.

References:

[1] - 2. by R Bedimo · 2024 — Persons with HIV (PWH) commonly presented with progressive moderate to severe body weight loss and body cell mass (BCM) loss as they neared ...

[2] - 13. HIV weight loss, sometimes called HIV wasting syndrome, is an unplanned weight loss of more than 10 percent of body weight with either diarrhea or weakness and fever that lasts more than 30 days.

[3] - 8. by EJ Singer · 2010 · Cited by 141 — Common presenting symptoms of CM include malaise, headache, and fever. As the disease progresses, patients may develop seizures and signs of increased ...

[4] - 1. Jul 5, 2022 — Myopathy caused by local neoplasm – Painful swollen muscles, low-grade fever, HIV wasting syndrome (painless proximal weakness and atrophy in ...

[5] - 11. HIV can damage the lining of your intestines, or you may have an infection that could be interfering. Diarrhea is a side effect of some medicines.

[6] - 12. A description of HIV wasting syndrome and ways to prevent it (part of the Just Diagnosed program), ... Wasting syndrome refers to unwanted weight loss of more than 10 percent of a person's body weight, with either diarrhea or weakness and fever that have lasted at least 30 days.

[7] - 9. In this stage, about half of infected people have symptoms of fever, swollen glands (in the neck, armpits, groin), rash, fatigue, and a sore throat. These ...

Diagnostic Tests for Obsolete HIV Wasting Syndrome

The diagnostic tests for obsolete HIV wasting syndrome have evolved over time, and new methods have been developed to improve the accuracy and reliability of diagnosis.

• Serum Creatine Kinase (CK) Measurement: Elevated serum CK levels

Treatment Options for HIV Wasting Syndrome

HIV wasting syndrome, also known as AIDS-related anorexia or AIDS wasting, was a condition characterized by involuntary weight loss and muscle atrophy in individuals with advanced HIV infection. While the syndrome is still mentioned in some medical literature, it has largely become obsolete due to improvements in antiretroviral therapy (ART) and other treatment options.

Historical Treatment Options

In the past, treatment for HIV wasting syndrome focused on managing symptoms rather than addressing the underlying cause of weight loss. Some of the historical treatment options included:

• Megestrol acetate: A medication approved by the FDA to treat HIV-associated weight loss. It works by stimulating appetite and promoting weight gain.
• Dronabinol: Another medication approved for treating HIV-associated weight loss, which acts as an appetite stimulant.
• Cytokine inhibitors: Medications that target specific proteins involved in inflammation and immune response, such as thalidomide and cyproheptadine.

Current Treatment Approach

The most effective treatment for HIV wasting syndrome is still the primary one: antiretroviral therapy (ART). ART reduces viral load, improves immune function, and can help prevent weight loss. In addition to ART, other treatment options may include:

• Nutritional therapy: A diet rich in calories, protein, and nutrients can help support weight gain and overall health.
• Strength training: Regular exercise, particularly strength training, can help maintain muscle mass and overall physical function.

Modern Treatment Guidelines

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other reputable medical organizations have not published specific guidelines for treating HIV wasting syndrome. However, the focus has shifted towards managing symptoms associated with advanced HIV infection, such as weight loss, diarrhea, and weakness.

References:

• [3] The most important treatment for wasting syndrome is effective treatment of HIV with antiretroviral medications.
• [13] The main treatment is the primary HIV medication, antiretroviral therapy.
• [14] Nutritional therapy, strength training, appetite stimulation, anabolic therapies, and cytokine inhibitors are all important options in managing symptoms associated with advanced HIV infection.

The differential diagnosis of HIV-associated wasting, also known as HIV wasting syndrome, involves identifying other conditions that may present with similar symptoms.

According to the search results, the differential diagnosis of HIV-associated myopathies includes the following:

• Treatment of HIV Wasting Syndrome. Pharmacologic treatments ...
• Other conditions such as malnutrition, lipodystrophy, and myopathies can be considered in the differential diagnosis of HIV wasting syndrome.
• In the pre-ART era, wasting was associated with HIV disease progression to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome and death.

The search results also mention that a diagnosis of wasting syndrome can be made if someone who is HIV-positive has lost more than ten percent of their body weight. This can be done by considering the patient's answers to questions about their symptoms and medical history.

Additionally, the search results highlight the importance of considering other conditions such as malnutrition, lipodystrophy, and myopathies in the differential diagnosis of HIV wasting syndrome.

It is worth noting that much remains to be elucidated regarding the pathogenesis, differential diagnosis and optimal therapeutic treatment of HIV-associated wasting and malnutrition.