Metabolic Complications (Lipoatrophy) (N=92)
Metabolic disorders such as lipoatrophy and centripetal fat re-distribution, elevated blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels (dyslipidemias), and insulin resistance (diabetes and impaired glucose tolerance) are commonly induced by HAART, but their impact on the CNS not been assessed systematically. Patients in the HAART era appear to have reduced rates of more severe cognitive deterioration. However, epidemiologic data showing the continuing incidence and prevalence of cognitive problems in HAART-treated patients raises concern about the possibility that HAART has protective effects through its antiviral effects, but is also toxic for the CNS in some patients. The primary aim was to relate lipoatrophy indicators to manifestations of HIV-associated neurocognitive dysfuntion HAND and peripheral neuropathy (PN).
| Cross-sectional | 1st Longitudinal | |
| Age | 48.3 (7.7) | 49.1 (7.9) |
| Education | 13.1 (2.9) | 13.0 (2.9) |
| Gender (% male) | 83% | 81% |
| Caucasian | 64% | 63% |
| Hispanic | 11% | 11% |
| African American | 23% | 23% |
| Other | 2% | 3% |
| % AIDS | 76% | 78% |
| CD4 | 497 (326 - 648) | 456 (294 - 629) |
| Log 10 Plasma HIV RNA | 1.70 (1.70 - 1.99) | 1.70 (1.70 - 2.34) |
| Log10 CSF HIV RNA | 1.70 (1.70 - 1.70) | 1.70 (1.70 - 1.70) |
| NP Impairment (% impaired) | 42% | 33% |
